A multi-million-pound taxpayer-funded leisure complex is finally on track to be fully occupied almost three years after it launched.
Two new tenants have signed leases while a third is in discussions to move into the Riverside complex in Canterbury
Centre bosses have struggled at times to get the venue, which was opened by Canterbury City Council in 2022, fully off the ground.
Some units have been empty since the launch, as managers blamed unfavourable market conditions.
However, it is hoped the complex with 12 units and a car park underneath, which saw £23 million from the public purse spent on building it, will finally be leased out within months for the first time in its history.
Escape Hunt will fill the gap left by Riverside Social – which abruptly shut early last year – and is run by the owners of existing Riverside tenants Boom Battle Bar.
A spokesperson for Escape Hunt confirmed it plans to be open in time for Easter, saying: “Following the hugely successful launch of Boom Battle Bar at Riverside, we are excited to be bringing our Escape Hunt offer to Canterbury.
“Popular with families, parties and work events, Escape Hunt provides the opportunity to step into new worlds in their immersive five-star rated escape room experiences.
“With themes such as Curse of the Pharoah, Eye of the Sun God, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp and many more, there’s an adventure for everybody.”
Riverside bosses are also preparing to welcome Community Health and Eyecare (CHEC) in the unit neighbouring the Curzon cinema.
Offering consultations and treatments for a variety of eye-related illnesses, it is also hoped to see them open by Easter.
It is understood the final unit to be let out is under offer from multiple businesses, with a new restaurant likely to sign on the dotted line within weeks.
Heavenly Desserts, which suffered from a fire last year, is understood to still be in negotiations with insurers but it is hoped a refit will take place within months.
Discussions with Black Sheep Coffee, which is paying rent on a site but is yet to fit it out, continue as Riverside officials hope to transform the site into a leading tourist destination.
The turnaround to full occupancy is in contrast to struggles reported by the city council in 2023.
Analysis showed the centre was missing out on £314,000 in rental income due to issues finding tenants and delays to the build being completed.
Jemma Stacey, senior asset manager at New River, asset managers for Riverside on behalf of Canterbury City Council, said: “We are delighted to have secured Escape Hunt and CHEC Community Health and Eyecare to join the existing lineup at The Riverside.
“Escape Hunt is a fantastic and unique offer for Canterbury, and along with CHEC will create new footfall, jobs and an exciting day-to-night offer for local people.
“We have interest from a restaurant operator also for the final available unlet unit which will also be a fantastic addition to the scheme.
“Riverside is looking fantastic and together with these new lettings, the scheme will provide an enticing and high-quality retail and leisure destination for Canterbury.”
A city council spokesperson added: “Every new scheme has its ups, downs and challenges to overcome but we’re really pleased businesses are choosing to open at the Riverside.
“We’ll continue to support the work of our managing agents New River as they attract a mix of companies and currently have a proposal going through the budget process to lower the cost of parking there, which if approved would further support businesses at the development.”
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