Much of Carlton Fun Factory’s roof and wall were ripped away after 85mph winds hit the building.
A children’s play centre in Saxmundham has vowed to return stronger after serious damage was caused to the building’s structure by Storm David.
The damaged walls and roof crushed the reception area and go-kart equipment in the play centre. Approximately 25% of the roof was removed by the wind.
After the winds died down further damage was caused by winter weather entering the building through the now exposed areas.
The damage is now thought to be so extensive that visitors will not be able to return to the centre until May.
Classes that were run at the centre including football sessions and parent and toddler groups have since been moved to other venues.
The Fun Factory launched less than a year ago with a range of soft play areas as well a climbing frame and a go-kart track.
A spokesperson for the centre said they were “heartbroken” by what had happened especially as the incident had happened only shortly before the centre was due to celebrate its first birthday.
“When we arrived it was carnage, ” they said.
The centre also said that they would like to thank the Play2Day centre in Martlesham Heath for helping to host some of the parties that were due to be held at the Fun Factory.
As well as Play2Day support for the Fun Factory has also been strong on social media from users of the centre with nearly 700 messages of support being sent in.
The next job for the centre is to start looking towards the future.
“We are now in the process of agreeing a scheme of work,” said the spokesperson.
The centre anticipates that fixing all the storm damage will take around 4 - 5 months.
Fortunately the centre’s owner Craig Hannatt is a surveyor by trade which has helped him to start thining about the repairs needed.
As well as repairs to the structure the centre will also be adding to the attractions on offer with the help of branding agency Spring.
The centre are hoping to re-open with a special celebration party later in the year.
Details of the party will be announced at a later date.
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