A PLAY centre is re-opening under new management just weeks after the previous owners decided the business was no longer viable.What was the House of Fun in Gorleston has been renamed Play Stax and is set to welcome children back through its doors before the end of the month.

A PLAY centre is re-opening under new management just weeks after the previous owners decided the business was no longer viable.

What was the House of Fun in Gorleston has been renamed Play Stax and is set to welcome children back through its doors before the end of the month.

New owner Kirsty Smith grasped the opportunity to fulfil her dream of owning a play centre after the House of Fun shut at the end of March.

Ms Smith is planning to hire five or six staff to work at the play centre in England's Lane, which is currently being re-furbished.

Despite the current recession the mum of three is confident the business will be a success.

She said: “I have not run my own business before, but have no qualms about taking this on and am not too fazed about the economic situation.

“The location is good and there have been lots of people knocking on the door asking when we are opening.

“The previous owners did really well with the business, but I am hoping to give the centre a new lease of life.

“I had looked into starting up a play centre for a couple of years and now seemed like the right time.

“I am very excited to see it come together and really looking forward to opening. It really is a dream come true.”

A former nursery assistant Ms Smith, from Bradwell, has most recently been a full time mum looking after three year old son Teddy.

Teenage daughter Abbie will be helping out at the play centre, which is due to open for the May half-term holiday.

The centre is being re-decorated, new play equipment provided and changes made to the restaurant menu with more healthy options.

Previous owners Debbie Debbage and Darren Butler reluctantly decided to close House of Fun as the business was losing too much money.

Many parents were forced into making some last-minute party arrangements following the closure, but customers who had paid deposits were given their money back.

The play centre is not connected to the neighbouring House of Fun Nursery, which remains open for business.