REACTION: Wide mix of views over plans for new Inverness bowling alley
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NEWS that a multi-million pound bowling alley and inflatable activity centre is planned for a major Inverness retail park have drawn a wide range of reactions online.
Since the story broke this morning that Inverness Shopping Park is looking to create the facility at its Eastfield Way site, with the potential to create up to 60 jobs, social media has been abuzz.
And reactions have run the full gauntlet, from emphatic support and delight, to others questioning if the city needs another bowling alley.
Among those in favour were Kevin Waddington, who said: "It's a no brainer. Not that Inverness needs another bowling alley, but having a bowling alley, cinema and restaurants all in one location would benefit all businesses at the retail park.
Related: POLL: Does Inverness need another 10-pin bowling alley?
"For those saying that Inverness need more schools a new hospital etc. It's not the council providing the bowling alley but a private business so even if a bowling alley goes there its not going to affect other needs for inverness."
Kane Edwards added: "[I] think it’s definitely a much better location for a bowling alley considering the retail park has so many other visitors anyway, and better public transport links. The inflatable course sounds like a good time too!"
Others took a more wry line, with Craig Robertson saying: "As long as it's not another sofa shop I'm in."
While Tarynn Mckenzie welcomed the choice of site: "Yeah maybe one that's actually wheelchair accessible."
But while there were a lot of positive comments, there were also others who would have preferred something else for the site – and the recent loss of an iconic city music venue certainly dwelled on some minds.
Diane Morrison said: "No, it needs a new decent music venue to replace the Ironworks.
And Brian Shepherd echoed the sentiments about the Ironworks, posting: "It would probably only cause the closure of the other one. Concentrate on a new music venue instead."
Others, like Catherine Gilchrist, wanted to see facilities like this closer to the city centre. She said: "Inverness town centre still needs something central that kids, teenagers, adults can all be part off. Think indoor crazy golf-themed with popular music and can get food, and like seats spread around... would be good."
Some other critics were a little more emphatic, just posting "no" when asked if they wanted one.
But as others noted, "it'll be great for the kids".
And some, meanwhile, were staying loyal to the city's popular existing bowling hub.
Ann McGee said: "We will still support Rollerbowl. They are brilliant with support for our son wouldn't go anywhere else."
– What do you think, vote in our poll here or email us at newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
