Highland charity for families with neurodivergent children 'extremely sad' at closure of Inverness play centre
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A Highland-wide charity who arrange and host events for families with neurodivergent children has expressed its sadness at the impending closure of an indoor play centre and cafe in Inverness.
The Play Zone – located at Inshes Retail & Leisure Park – announced on Friday that it will close from December 24, after operating for the past 14 years.
This Is Me Highland, who have been hosting events at the centre since 2019, say the facility will be missed, and that they were "extremely sad" to learn of its closing.
The charity also expressed its gratitude to the staff at the centre who had helped to provide a "brilliant" and "accommodating" setting for their events.
The primary aim of the charity is to host events in settings where families can socialise and be involved in activities in a calmer environment, in such a way that minimises risks and triggers that come with more public events.
Since reopening after the pandemic, the Play Zone had become one of the group's regular meeting places, gathering around 2–3 times a month since the start of the year, with up to 25 attending each time.
The group has already requested an additional 10 dates between now and the closing date, and remain hopeful that new owners may continue to support the work they are doing.
A spokesperson for the charity said: "Many of our children simply couldn't cope with a public softplay event and so look forward to our regular ones at The Play Zone.
"We are extremely sad to see this closing and hope that if the business is taken over by someone that they would continue to be as supportive towards the charity.
"We are lucky to have brilliant support from another local soft play but The Play Zone was particularly good for our older children and will be missed.
"All their staff have been fundamental with helping with this over the last few years by allowing us regular hires and accommodating any requests we have had.
"Many laughs and happy memories have been made over the years and we are extremely grateful for this."
A statement from the operator yesterday said: "The frame and cafe furnishings are available to anyone who would like to start up their own business. The frame must be professionally removed from the building. Thanking all our customers near and far for their business and support over the years."
