The countdown is on for two friends as they get ready to open Wisbech’s first crazy golf venue.
There are less than three weeks until Volcano Valley opens at the Cromwell Leisure Park in the former Frankie and Benny’s building.
Chris Gooderson, from Outwell, and Chris Atkins, from Emneth, are at the helm of the tiki-themed venue, and they aim to bring an immersive, affordable family activity to town.
Chris Gooderson has been busy getting the venue ready for its opening on April 11
With crucial building works now out of the way, Mr Gooderson is busy decorating the venue, which will have a private karaoke area, three smart dart boards, a cocktail bar, and both crazy and glow golf.
The pair came up with the idea a few years ago, and when Mr Atkins saw the venue was up for grabs, they decided to go for it.
“Me and Chris used to work and live together for a while, and over many nights and many drinks, we used to talk about doing this,” Mr Gooderson told the Citizen.
Volcano Valley is coming soon to Wisbech
“We spoke about the area missing something like this. I have kids and struggle to find stuff to do that is affordable.
“We all love mini golf, Chris found this venue, and we thought it was the perfect place to do it.”
While Mr Atkins manages the business’ paperwork and finances, Mr Gooderson, along with the help of family and friends, has been painting, decorating and getting the venue ready for its opening day on Saturday, April 11.
While designing the layout of the golf course, he has been consulting with his two children to get an idea of what would be enjoyable.
Booth seating areas are being made
The pair want to keep prices low – a family of four will be able to play a round of golf for under £30 – and offer an experience that those in Fenland would have previously had to travel further afield to enjoy.
Following the closure of restaurants in the vicinity, Cromwell Leisure Park was left with empty buildings surrounding The Light cinema for several years.
Now, Volcano Valley and fast food chain Taco Bell have filled the spots. Mr Gooderson is looking forward to the businesses working together.
Smart dart boards will also be available to book out
“I think being here and having the cinema and Taco Bell is going to be good,” he said.
“We complement each other. We will offer snacks, but we won’t be taking away from the food side of things from the others.”
The 15-hole course will start with a beach theme, which will also greet visitors as they enter the building.
Chris Gooderson runs the business with friend Chris Atkin
This will move into a rainforest-themed zone, and towards the end of the course, there will be a glow in the dark volanco theme.
“I am trying to make it an immersive experience with sound effects and lighting,” Mr Gooderson said.
“We are really going to town with our cocktails and mocktail menu.
The mini golf venue will be on the Cromwell Retail Park
“We want to encourage people to come here and chill. It will be a relaxing atmosphere to have a drink.”
As well as mini golf, Volcano Valley also has three smart dart boards, which can be programmed to incorporate different challenges to the usual game.
These can be booked to hire for a certain timeframe, as can a sound-proofed karaoke room, where groups can sing to their heart’s content.
“We were not going to do karaoke originally, but people kept talking to us about it,” Mr Gooderson said.
Preparations are being made to get the venue ready for opening on April 11
“People do not like to sing in front of others, so they can book the room out for an hour.”
It is a first venture of this kind for Mr Gooderson, who has previously worked on refits for shops and garden centres.
“I am quite creative and practical, and am working crazy hours to get this done,” he added.
The Light Cinema complex now has more fill venues
“I am massively excited. It is a lot of work, but we are not scared of a lot of work.”
Volcano Valley has already employed staff who live locally to work at the venue ahead of its opening.