Inverness 'likely to lose jobs' if controversial new multimillion-pound bowling alley gets go-ahead, warns Rollerbowl boss
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE Highland capital could lose up to 40 jobs in the event of a new bowling alley being created as part of a multimillion-pound development at an edge-of-town Inverness shopping centre.
That's the stark warning being made as objections to plans for the bowling alley and inflatable activity course at the site of Sports Direct and the Everlast gym at the Inverness retail park continue to pour in.
At direct risk from the proposal is Rollerbowl, which has been a fixture of the Highland scene for almost 34 years.
As well as a firm favourite for birthday parties and nights out, the 24-lane Culduthel Road facility has also been the training ground for a number of bowlers who currently represent their country.
Owner Shahid Yusaf said: "They say the new development will create 60 new jobs but they don't say how many would be lost as a result. There are no extra jobs being created here and in my view there would be a net loss.
"The size of Inverness cannot sustain two bowling centres so all that will happen is that one will be squeezed out."
READ ALSO: Multimillion-pound development 'will create 60 jobs'
More than 120 objections to plans for new bowling alley in city
WATCH: Everlast gym members not ready to see lifeline service disappear
He believes not only his business but existing soft play areas and a trampoline park would also be in jeopardy.
He said the 24-lane bowling centre that he has run in Inverness for the last 34 years is adequate to cater for the whole of the Highlands and is visited by customers from as far afield as Caithness and the Western Isles.
He said the same pattern can be observed in other cities also only able to sustain one such centre.
Recalling the demise of La Scala Cinema in the centre of Inverness in the wake of the arrival of an edge-of-town multiplex, he predicted a similar pattern for local independent businesses faced with the arrival of one operated by a chain boasting significant resources.
Asked if it would only be a matter of time until he faced closure under such circumstances, he admitted it would.
Rollerbowl employs around 30 staff – six of whom have been with Mr Yusaf "since day 1" in 1990.
Mr Yusaf said: "Inverness cannot sustain two bowling centres. We are lying empty at times during the week with most of the business at the weekend.
"I believe the trampoline place and the soft play areas would also be affected. There could be 100 jobs lost making a net loss of employment. Those are local jobs for people who spend money in the local economy."
He said many businesses, including his own, had faced tough challenges during the two Covid lockdowns. Rollerbowl was closed for almost a year in total as a result yet managed to invest £350,000 in improving the business.
Mr Shahid said: "We are part of the community. We host different leagues and people who have additional needs. Generations of families come here. I know of some who are taking their children and their children's children.
"It's a family run business and I have to say people have been very supportive to us. Most people who have commented on this situation agree that the area can only sustain one such centre."
A petition flagging up the situation quickly gained 500 signatures and Mr Yusaf is "positive" that people power can influence the outcome.
Members of a number of ten-pin bowling leagues are also anxious about what the future might hold.
The Rollerbowl Youth Bowling Club consists of young people aged from six to 17, a number of whom have progressed to compete for Scotland.
Carrie Yavuz helps run the club. Her son Kerim (14) and another Easter Ross bowler, Alice Robertson (11), are amongst club members who bowl for Scotland thanks to their training at Rollerbowl.
She said: "We make the club as inclusive as possible. Some have additional support needs and others come from a variety of different backgrounds. It's a sport which is very inclusive in that you don't need to be able to run around.
"Some of the kids are very competitive and for others it's just fun and a way to socialise and see each other. It's a valuable thing either way. There are three teenagers who are currently training to become coaches meaning that they can pass skills on to other kids."
Addressing the current planning application, she said: "Our worry is that if a bigger company comes in to Inverness the smaller one will not be able to continue. And the larger one may not be as supportive of groups such as ours and people with additional needs.
"Shahid has been very good about supporting this club. It's quite an expensive sport to follow if you are competing and he is good about letting us set up a table to fundraise and sell tickets."
She went on: "We have got a history of kids coming to Rollerbowl and going on to do well. Kids are coming home with trophies. If Rollerbowl can't continue and we lose our youth group it would be a real shame. It's also a brilliant way for kids to widen their social circles."
