A MUM is set to open a new city centre "hang out" club for pre-teenagers after noticing there was nothing catering to her son's age group in Southend.
With a PlayStation, pool table and snacks, Southend mum Kasia Zielinski-Rushforth is hoping the new venue can offer a space which appeals to an age group who she says are both too old for soft play, and too young to free roam.
The Hang Out Venue, centrally located on London Road directly opposite the city’s main Sainsbury's, was created after Kasia discovered a similar space on a trip to Lapland last December.
“We were only there for four days but we used the space everyday.”
Kasia said after the family returned to Southend, she realised there was nothing catering to her son's age group.
“Between eight and 12, they’re too little for the big wide world but are too big for soft play. They just want to chill out, crack open a can of coke and feel a little bit older,” Kasia added.
“We wanted children to be able to push their boundaries in a safe environment."
The venue has been designed as a space for pre-teenagers to relax, meet peers and explore independence under the supervision of their adults.
It costs £10.99 for eight to 12 year olds to spend up to two hours at the Hang Out Venue, and tickets also include free admission for two accompanying adults.
Table tennis, air hockey and console gaming are all on offer (Image: Kasia Zielinski-Rushforth) Kasia claims accessibility has been a major consideration in designing her venue, which is located close to public bus stops and is wheelchair accessible throughout.
“Lots of venues for young people are located on industrial estates out of town, and for many families are just not reachable,” she added.
The Hang Out Venue will be open between 4pm and 8.30pm on term time weekdays and from 9am to 8.30pm on weekends and school holidays.
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