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EXCLUSIVE: First look inside new Dundee Funparx family activity centre

The centre, located in the Douglas area of the city, opens its doors on Friday.

Ali Hay in the new Funparx Dundee. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Ali Hay in the new Funparx Dundee. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

A new family entertainment centre is opening in Dundee today – and The Courier has been given a first look inside.

Funparx Dundee, in the old Fun Factory in Douglas, welcomes its first visitors on Friday morning.

It offers a range of attractions including obstacle courses, slides, a soft play area, inflatables, a retro gaming arcade and a cafe.

The Courier went along to get a first look at the new facility during a friends and family night on Thursday.

Photos inside Funparx Dundee

Former Ninja Warrior UK contestant Ali Hay is behind Funparx.

Speaking to The Courier, he said: “I’m extremely happy with how the centre is looking.

“Often with these sorts of projects, you have a vision in your head and they rarely match your expectation, but it’s even better than I could have imagined.

Fuparx Dundee is in the former Fun Factory. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The inflatables area. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The soft play. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Amelia Murray, nine, enjoys the ball pool. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The arcade machines. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Ali in the ninja zone. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

“There have been a few delays along the way, but everyone has worked really hard to get to this point, and I’m excited to open.

“Funparx is a completely unique offering; unlike softplays or trampoline parks, we want to work with families to see what works best.

“The unique thing about Funparx is that all the spaces will be interchangeable, which gives us the freedom to change up what we offer.

“For example, we’ll be able to change the obstacles along the ninja course to keep it fun and fresh.

Lauren Christie, 17, and Emily Hammond, 16, on the slides. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
One of the assault courses. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Getting to grips with Funparx Dundee. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The centre opens on Friday. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Ali is the man behind the new centre. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

“We aim to appeal to children of all ages and all sizes – a family entertainment centre where everyone can enjoy themselves.

“Equally, we understand times are tough for many people, so we wanted to make it as affordable as possible.”

Funparx Dundee is the first centre in the UK, with construction under way at another site in Basildon, near London, and three others in the pipeline.

Ali, 36, added: “It’s been full-on, but I’m delighted to open the first site in Dundee, a city where I still have strong family ties.

There are many areas to enjoy. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Funparx Dundee hopes to get off to a flying start. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The slides. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
A play area for younger visitors. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
People of all ages can join in. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Fun on the inflatables. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending the last few months in the city and welcome locals to Funparx Dundee.”

Bookings are now open on the Funparx Dundee website.

The Courier has taken a look at all you need to know about Funparx Dundee.

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