The Mini Me Children's Role Play World in Sutton Coldfield's Gracechurch Centre will close its doors for good on Saturday, August 29, with a goodbye party planned for the final day. Owner Helen Tsang, a former teacher, made the announcement, citing the need to prioritise family time over relocating to a larger unit.
A popular venue forced to move
Mini Me opened in September 2023 and quickly became a favourite among local parents, offering role-play areas, SEN sessions, baby groups and reception school meet-ups. However, the venue was asked to leave its current site on the main Parade side of the Gracechurch Centre, as the lease was always intended to be temporary.
Initially, Helen planned to move to a bigger premises within the centre, but after careful consideration, she decided the move would take her away from her family – the very reason she started the business. In an emotional Facebook post, she wrote: “A month ago, we were so excited to share the news that Mini Me would be moving to a bigger home. The move wasn’t our choice, but we chose to embrace it with excitement and saw it as an opportunity to create something even more special for our families. After a lot of thought, sleepless nights and many conversations, we have made the incredibly difficult decision not to go ahead with the move.”
Community impact and heartfelt reactions
Helen expressed her sadness about the closure, telling BirminghamLive: “One of the hardest parts is that having to leave wasn't our choice. We'd built a wonderful community and created a safe, welcoming place where children could learn through play, alongside SEN sessions, baby groups and reception school meet-ups. We were also proud to see so many families visiting Mini Me and, in turn, supporting other businesses in the centre. It's heartbreaking because we know how much Mini Me means to so many local families. It became so much more than a play centre, and that's why it's so sad to be closing our doors for now.”
The venue has received numerous glowing reviews on Google. Kerri Richards said: “My kids have been a few times. Yesterday was my daughter's birthday party. And again another amazing experience, staff absolutely friendly, helpful get down with the children as well as making sure parents are happy. Just an absolute amazing experiences we have had here. Can't recommend here enough honestly. I have a child with additional needs and he was 100% involved with everything.” Another parent added: “Been coming to MiniMe ever since it’s opened and have never had a bad thing to say! My child loves this place so much always excited to visit! The rooms are always getting replenished as we notice new bits and bobs which my child brings to the table, barely any space to drink our coffee!! The staff are super welcoming and have formed a friendship with myself and child, tho the extent that they address us by our names as soon as we walk through the door, making the effort to get to know us!”
Closing party and future hopes
Helen is determined to end on a high note, hosting a closing party on August 29. She said: “Right now, all that matters is giving our customers and staff the best possible final month and celebrating everything Mini Me has achieved. We're holding a closing party on Saturday, 29th August, and we'd love for it to be a celebration of the amazing community that's been built around Mini Me. This isn't the end of Mini Me. We truly believe that when the time is right and the right opportunity comes along, we'll be back—bigger and better than ever.”
She also hinted at a possible return in the future, stating: “For now, we are taking a step back and focusing on our family. However, should the right opportunity come along in the future, one that feels right for Mini Me and allows me to remain true to why I started—we would never say never.”
Second independent business leaves Gracechurch Centre
Mini Me’s closure follows the departure of yoga studio I Am Yogi, which confirmed last month it was leaving due to rising costs at the venue that were not “sustainable.” I Am Yogi has secured new premises in Sutton town centre, set to open at the start of September. The Gracechurch Centre has been approached for comment.
A spokesman for the Gracechurch Centre said: “Mini Me’s current lease was always intended as a temporary arrangement, and as it approached expiry we explored the opportunity for them to relocate into a significantly larger unit within the centre on a new long-term lease. Ultimately, Mini Me decided not to proceed with that opportunity. The proposed premises were around twice the size of their existing store and would have required a substantial investment to fit out, so we fully understand that it was not the right move for their business at this time. While we’re naturally disappointed to see them leave, we respect their decision and wish Helen and the team every success for the future. Throughout their time at Gracechurch, we have been pleased to support the business, including providing a temporary lease on preferential terms and presenting a long-term opportunity to remain at the centre.”
Future of the centre
The spokesman added: “We continue to receive strong interest from prospective occupiers as Gracechurch evolves. We are actively progressing a number of leasing discussions and are also focused on strengthening our family and children’s offer. While we can’t comment on individual commercial negotiations, we look forward to announcing further occupiers in due course. The current Mini Me unit is on the market and we have no confirmed tenant yet, while the future of the neighbouring unit remains the subject of ongoing discussions. This side of the Parade is to be further developed as food and beverage quarters, further expanding the offer following Wednesday’s opening of Poms.”
Helen’s final message to families was heartfelt: “Thank you for being part of our journey. We hope you’ll come and make a few more special memories with us before we close our doors. With love, Helen x.”
