Scotland’s biggest ball-pit will soon open in an Aberdeen bar – despite worries that young-at-heart revellers could injure themselves while leaping in.
It has been created in an eye-catching fairground-themed venue described as a “palace of fun” on Justice Mill Lane.
The pit, filled to the brim with a staggering 200,000 balls, will be part of three floors of activities at the soon-to-open Three Mad Hatters.
What else will there be at Three Mad Hatters?
There will be an “arcade” level with more than 40 games, appealing to punters eager to dust off their Sonic The Hedgehog, Mario Kart or Mortal Kombat skills on a night out.
A “carousel” floor will have a traditional fairground horse for visitors to sit on while enjoying popcorn, candy floss, slushies or even a cocktail.
The whole thing, in the former club The Shack, is the brainchild of night-time impresario Tony Cochrane – the man behind Club Tropicana and Private Eyes.
But the crowning glory, that colossal ball pit on the third floor, raised eyebrows in the council’s licensing department.
What were the council’s concerns?
Concerned environmental health officers demanded Mr Cochrane ensure that anyone diving into the colourful attraction doesn’t hurt themselves.
Agent for Mr Cochrane, Archie McIver, told board members at a recent meeting that people won’t be allowed in if they’re deemed to be too merry.
He added that the new feature would be covered by CCTV, and would need to be pre-booked by revellers.
Once at the bar, customers will be given wristbands and an hour to use the ball pit, but Mr McIver reckons they won’t really stay there that long.
‘We won’t be putting people at risk’
The licensing specialist solicitor said: “The experience of other premises that operate this way is that people go in for about five or 10 minutes just for a laugh, recreate their childhood and then leave.
“Given the applicant’s track record of 30-odd years of unblemished trading in the city, I think you can rest easy that they are responsible people who would not be taking any measures which would be putting people at risk.”
What else will there be at Three Mad Hatters?
There will also be a flight simulator and Guitar Hero for all of the city’s budding rock stars.
It will also have two private karaoke booths and a dance floor.
What will the neighbours say?
A disgruntled neighbour had written to the council before the meeting to object to the licence.
They said: “The noise level from the surrounding bars is more than enough.”
Councillor Lee Fairfull also spoke out on behalf of constituents who had contacted her with their concerns about the venue.
She said they were worried about anti-social behaviour from people leaving the premises.
But despite the concerns, board members unanimously agreed to approve the licence.
What do you think of the plans? Share your views in our comments section at the foot of this article
New Aberdeen bar a ‘big fun palace’
Club owner Tony Cochrane said work has been going on behind the scenes at the new venue for months – and confirmed an October 20 opening date.
Mr Cochrane said Three Mad Hatters was designed to be a “big fun palace”.
Nightclub to compete with existing Aberdeen venues
The new venue will provide competition to Bardots Karaoke Bar which is located next door.
It will also go head-to-head with Arcade Bar and Games on Union Street, which was announced earlier this week.
But the new club could get a lot of potential custom from students living just across the road.
The former seven-storey Travelodge hotel on Justice Mill Lane has been turned into student flats after planning permission was granted earlier this year.
And it comes after plans for a new rooftop garden at the nearby Wetherspoons were approved:
Conversation