Birmingham Welcomes First SuperPark Indoor Activity Centre at Former Casino Site
A major new family leisure destination is coming to Birmingham, as plans have been submitted to transform the former Genting Casino at Star City into a SuperPark indoor activity centre. This will be the first SuperPark in England and only the second in the UK, following the opening of a site in Glasgow.
From Casino to Family Fun: A Decade-Long Transformation
The Genting Casino at Star City in Nechells, near Spaghetti Junction, has not operated as a gambling venue since January 2017. Although it has served as the firm's UK head office for nearly ten years, the company is now relocating, paving the way for this exciting redevelopment. Star City Trustees have applied for planning permission to change the site's use to Class E for flexible leisure purposes, with hopes to commence work in July and open before the end of the year.
What to Expect at the SuperPark Experience
SuperPark, a Finnish company founded in 2012, operates 27 parks across 12 countries, with a mission encapsulated by its slogan: 'you are made to move'. The Birmingham centre will feature a tailored selection of 30 to 40 activities from a global portfolio of over 100, designed to cater to local preferences and avoid overlap with nearby competitors like Gravity trampoline park in Glasgow.
The complex will be divided into three main sections:
- Adventure Area: Primarily for children but inclusive for families, this zone includes a multi-storey playground with climbing structures, obstacle walls, zip wires, slides, playtowers, and a pedal car racing track.
- Game Arena: Offering digital-enhanced versions of sports such as baseball, tennis, golf, basketball, and football, this area aims to create unforgettable experiences for families, friends, schools, and corporate groups.
- Freestyle Hall: Equipped with professional trampolines, a foam pit, big air features, a parkour course, and a gymnastics floor, all in a safe environment for skill testing.
Focus on Family Inclusivity and Screen-Free Activity
Unlike traditional play parks, SuperPark emphasises involving parents and grandparents in activities, making it a more inclusive venue. Jonathan Doherty, SuperPark UK's managing director, highlighted that the centre targets children aged five to fourteen but encourages whole-family participation to promote physical activity and reduce screen time.
'One of the great things about SuperParks is that parents and grandparents can join in,' Doherty said. 'It's not your standard play park. It's way more advanced when it comes to the style of activities, and the mission is to get kids away from screens.'
Additional Amenities and Global Expansion
Beyond the activity zones, the SuperPark will include a reception area, lockers, a café or restaurant, and toilets. This development is part of SuperPark's broader expansion, which has seen growth in Asia and the Middle East, with plans to enter the US market soon, starting in New Jersey. The Birmingham site represents a shift for Star City towards daytime family entertainment, complementing existing attractions like cinemas, go-karting, mini-golf, and five-a-side football.
With planning approval pending, this project promises to bring a dynamic, health-focused leisure option to Birmingham, aligning with global trends towards accessible, stress-free physical activity for all ages.
