Fans are set to be bowled over by a major new investment at Clacton Pier which will be a UK first.
The existing Lanes Bowling Centre is to undergo a complete transformation with striking state of the art equipment installed.
Work on the BES NV Neoverse system will begin on Monday June 8 and will take around two weeks to finish.
QubicaAMF, an industry leading company, will be brought in to carry out the scheme.
It is the only one of its kind in the country with an interactive LED wall directly integrated with the game play and the manufacturers ecosystem of exciting player features and entertainment.
Pier general manager Harry Peek said it is the single biggest investment since Jurassic Pier was introduced three years ago.
“This will really excite all our bowling fans with vivid, immersive and captivating equipment and a totally new experience,” he said.
“It includes a selection of high quality on-demand themes, environments and games for groups or individuals to enjoy.
“Our current system which was put in in 2011 is very intricate and mechanical and needs upgrading.
“The Neoverse product will be much more reliable and no one else will be offering this experience. It is another step in bringing in the very best standard of attraction as we are doing elsewhere, such as in the Boardwalk Bar, with our augmented reality darts system.”
The project will include the very latest bowling machines, a new set of lane surfaces, and an LED 16 metre screen which can be customised and interacts in real time with the player.
There will also be a self-service kiosk, and new seating as part of a second phase.
Mr Peek said the pier has a long-standing relationship with QubicaAMF who installed the original Lanes Bowling Centre 15 years ago and now has 10,000 centres in 90 countries worldwide.
“We are looking at a totally immersive universe of engaging content, lighting and sound elements with scoring system technology,” he added.
“We hope that our existing regular bowling guests will love the changes we are making and that they will also attract a whole new fanbase.”
In 2011 The Lanes (photos above as it looks now) took the place of Haunted Mansion and the work of removing a dividing wall and machinery joined the bowling up with the amusement arcade.
It was one of the first major schemes undertaken by the then new owners Billy and Elliot Ball who have continued to invest in the attraction regularly ever since.
“It is vital that we always strive to improve our offer for our guests and provide the very best in family entertainment and fun,” said Billy Ball.
“If you don’t you will find that they will go elsewhere in search for more and better attractions.”
