A giant trampoline park could open in Ipswich before the end of the year, it has been revealed.

Ipswich Star: B&Q Anglia Retail ParkB&Q Anglia Retail Park

Bounce, which is already up and running in Milton Keynes, have confirmed they are taking over 50,000sq ft of the B&Q store at the Anglia Retail Park near Whitehouse which is due to close this summer.

It looks set to be a major attraction and bring many visitors, and create new jobs, for the town.

Gary Knil, managing director of Bounce Trampoline Centres, said: “We want to come to Ipswich. We were already looking and selected Ipswich before we knew about the B&Q closing.”

They are now going through the planning process but he believes the site could be fitted out within 90 days of the DIY store closing.

Ipswich Star: Bounce is already in operation in Milton KeynesBounce is already in operation in Milton Keynes (Image: Archant)

“Generally planning takes 75 days and if we get the building in the last quarter, we would love to have it up and running by the end of the year.”

The centre would be an attraction for the whole family, he said, with 27,000 to 30,000 sq ft of the site being taken over by trampolines and a further 20,00 sq ft given over to a soft play zone.

The Billy Beez soft play area - which would be suitable for children upto the age of six - is a new concept for the chain.

“This will be a first for the UK, and it will be in Ipswich,” said Mr Knil.

Ipswich Star: Plans have been revealed to open a Bounce trampolining and entertainment centre in IpswichPlans have been revealed to open a Bounce trampolining and entertainment centre in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

“We are pioneers of trampoline centres and we intend to grow through new openings and franchising.

“Milton Keynes has been open two years, and is successful and popular with the public. We also have Jump Box in Dubai.”

The Milton Keynes centre attracted more than 350,00 customers last year.

The centre is open to all ages, Mr Knil said, and is especially popular with the youngsters aged three to 18.

Ipswich Star: Bounce Ipswich could open by the end of the yearBounce Ipswich could open by the end of the year (Image: Archant)

Research by the company has shown that parents are happy to drive for upto 20 minutes to reach a park like Bounce, and there are 285,000 people living within a comfortable travelling distance of the Ipswich site.

“Ipswich is in a fabulous position, because it is growing rapidly between the three to 12 age group over the next three years.

“Anglia Retail Park offers a perfect opportunity for those living in Ipswich and its surrounding area to experience something very new and exciting, combining fun, family entertainment and exercise, in a safe and rewarding environment.”

Simon Hoad, director of Anglia Retail Park owners Trinstar, said a change of use application had been submitted seeking permission to adapt the site from retail to leisure use.

He said: “Anglia Retail Park is a highly accessible gateway site for Ipswich which has suffered over the last few years in a changing retail environment. This is a first for Ipswich and, our submission of a planning application for Bounce is aimed at adding to the exciting opportunities which Ipswich has to offer.

“It will generate much needed footfall on the park which we are confident will attract further new retailers and improve the tenant mix, eventually creating close to 300 new jobs as well as supporting a variety of local businesses.”