A SPORTING and entertainment facility in Skipton has just benefited from a £100,000 investment.

Matrix Superbowl has provided ten pin bowling for more than 20 years at Sandylands Business Centre providing fun activities for children and adults who have honed their skills and notched up their strikes at the eight-lane alley.

Owner Paul Cochrane has placed the huge investment in new state-of-the-art 'pins on strings' bowling machines, while also revamping the bar area and putting down new flooring.

General manager Andy Mills said: "The new 'pins on strings' machines cut 'out time' in the lanes as the old machines could cause problems with breakdowns. This new system, which is being used by many other bowling venues around the country, is far more efficient. The old mechanical system could be troublesome."

He said it was a big investment but everyone felt it was a worthwhile one. 

"It means that not only are the machines up to 75 per cent more energy efficient - cutting down on energy usage is important to the business - but also offer the customer a far better bowling experience," Andy said adding: "Matrix Superbowl has been part of the Skipton community for over 20 years. We’ve played a part in a lot of local people's lives whether that’s a childhood memory of a birthday party, a family day out or other group.

"As you can imagine Covid was a tough period for the business, one which like may other businesses we are still feeling the effects of, but Paul is committed to this community and has shown this by offering this investment.

"Facilities such as this, along with hospitality, really struggled through the pandemic but like others, saw a good uptake when restrictions were relaxed. People wanted somewhere to go to after lockdowns were lifted.

"Hopefully the investment will attract people to come along who may not have been for a while or even those who have never had a go. The new bar area is looking really good as well as the new floor. I think people will be very impressed."

Andy said the venue attracted people of all ages and said young people nowadays seemed to be more into what is termed 'competitive socialising'. He said rather than just meeting up and going out for a drink, a lot of young adults wanted something to do for fun and entertainment while having a drink.

He said lots of bars offer some experience or other these days, from table games to darts and the Matrix Superbowl ticked those same boxes.

The venue is also a popular choice for younger customers such as school-leaver parties and other groups, after school clubs and birthday parties.

As well as a bar there is a space at the back with four pool tables and five snooker tables. For young children there is a playzone area upstairs and a cafe.

"We want to encourage more through-the-week play as our busiest times are at weekends. It is a really fun activity," Andy added.

People can book a lane for a family outing or block-book some or all lanes for a big event.

The venue has ramps and gutter rails available so that all ages and abilities can play, including those with disabilities.

All eight lanes of the venue have been revamped. The facilities have remained open while the new installation has been ongoing. The revamp of the bar and flooring is due to be completed this week.

Further details, along with opening times, prices and offers can be found at: https://www.matrixsuperbowl.co.uk/