A VACANT block of land in the centre of North Lakes will be transformed into a game centre featuring everything from indoor skydiving to rock climbing.
Commercial real estate agent Morgan Ruig said the 1.5 ha site at 10 North Lakes Drive was bought by iPlay game centre owner John Sophios for $5.8 million.
Mr Ruig said the developer had bold plans for the site, on the corner of Memorial Drive.
He hinted at what the developer had in mind, which could include rock climbing, bowling and arcade-style games.
The concept would be similar to the five other iPlay centres around Australia.
The property was once mooted for commercial, retail and residential development.
Businessman John Sophios has five iPlay Australia centres – Chermside, Brisbane City, Redbank and two others in Canberra and Western Australia.
Readers have been calling out for more family friendly activities in North Lakes, including ten pin bowling and a water play area.
The Times was unable to reach Mr Sophios, but agent Morgan Ruig, who sold the block, said the owner had big plans.
“John Sophios, who owns iPlay, the equivalent of Timezone in Queensland, had a few concepts he wanted to try,” the agent said. “He had been talking to Westfield about going into their extension, but always had the preference of buying his own land and developing.
“He has pretty cool plans – strike bowling, indoor skydiving, and clip and climb (indoor rock climbing) and a big game arcade, along with a mixed array of foods.”
Mr Ruig said he thought the sale was a “fair market price” given the land shortage in the town centre. A development application has not been lodged with Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Councillor Julie Greer (Div 4) said an arcade gaming centre could be a “good addition”. “The number of attractions for young people in North Lakes is continuing to grow, like visiting The Space at North Lakes, The Corso, Event Cinemas or joining a sporting club.”
Original article published at www.couriermail.com.au by Jamie-Leigh Mason 25/9/16