Two former restaurants at a town’s biggest leisure complex have been put on the market.
Lockmeadow in Barker Road, Maidstone, which includes a cinema, trampoline park, and bowling has two large spaces it is desperately trying to fill.
They are the old Frankie & Benny’s restaurant, which has since been ripped out, and the Feathers bar and grill which was opposite the Italian chain.
One of the units extends to approximately 3,960 sqft plus storage and the other one to approximately 6,193 sqft together with an outdoor area.
The site is owned by Maidstone Council who are hoping to increase the overall “draw and footfall” to the leisure complex.
A number of new uses have been proposed for the spaces, including a convenience store, leisure, children’s nursery and food and beverage.
Details about the possible let have been posted in an online brochure which states: “As well as the two currently available ground floor units to let, the council is looking for other operators who might be able to increase the overall offer and appeal of Lockmeadow.
“For example, there is a large outdoor area, known as Coronation Square, which may be suitable for temporary or more permanent uses such as padel tennis, soft play and pop- up Cinemas and food and beverage.”
Frankie & Benny’s left customers disappointed after the eatery closed in December 2022.
It came after a tumultuous time for the business, which shut many sites around the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While Feathers, which is the largest unit on the site’s ground floor, shut its doors to customers last May.
Lockmeadow also has Lockmeadow Health Club, the Love Food football, and the new VR World which opened last summer.
Last May, the council announced Maidstone Leisure Trust (MLT), in partnership with Serco Leisure, would be taking over from the David Lloyd gym which was next to the entertainment complex.
The space, which has a large gym and swimming pool, is currently managed by David Lloyd which had announced in February they would be leaving.
MLT also helps run Mote Park and Maidstone Leisure Centre and took over management of the club, which will has continued to operate as a private health and fitness facility.
Speaking at the time, Cllr Claudine Russell said: “After extensive marketing and interest from other providers, Serco Leisure’s offer in both terms of financial reward and service provided, put them as the front runners to continue running this private members’ club.
“We know how much our residents have valued this facility in the town centre for many years and are delighted that it will remain open as a place to relax, workout and socialise for the people of Maidstone.”
Maidstone council has been approached for comment about the let.
In February, the site hit the headlines after rats were spotted during a screening of The Colour Purple.
Kings Hill mum Claire Bermingham visited with her friends when she noticed the rodents running around Screen 5.
In a statement at the time, an Odeon spokesman said: “We are aware of the issue at ODEON Maidstone, which has impacted the cinema alongside other units in the Lockmeadow Leisure Complex.
“The cinema holds a 5* hygiene rating and carries out extensive and regular cleaning tasks.
“We are working with the site manager of the Complex and local services to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”