A town’s entertainment complex is welcoming a shop and a nursery - its first non-leisure businesses - after recognising a “change in demand” from visitors.

The new arrivals will be opening in two former restaurants in a bid to bring more footfall to Lockmeadow in Maidstone.

Family-run business Cycles UK will be taking over the former Frankie and Benny’s, which has sat empty at the Barker Road centre for more than two years.

In November 2022, KentOnline reported how the Italian restaurant located by the stairs leading to the Odeon cinema, Gravity trampoline park and Hollywood Bowl, would be closing the following month.

It came after a tumultuous time for the business, which shut many sites around the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was one of the oldest remaining eateries at the Lockmeadow complex, pre-dating the £467,000 introduction of the LoveFood hall.

Meanwhile, Feathers Bar and Flaming Grill restaurant opposite shut its doors the following May after the company’s lease came to an end and the firm decided not to renew it.

Cece’s Nursery Rainbow Kids will open in the former pub with “coming soon” posters plastered on hoardings surrounding the site.

It has an existing branch at Hermitage Park Community Centre and also runs a holiday club at its nursery in Queen’s Road, Maidstone.

The nursery did not respond to our request for comment.

In June, both units were put on the market and are now set to be home to Lockmeadow’s first non-leisure traders.

A spokesperson for the council, which owns the complex, said: “Maidstone council, alongside its professional external advisors, recognise that the leisure and hospitality industry has significantly changed in terms of demand.”

Cycles UK has confirmed it will be relocating from its shop in Lower Stone Street, which it has operated for more than 20 years.

It is set to close once the newer one, which is estimated to be twice the size, opens at the end of April.

Progress pictures show the unit being transformed with new flooring, freshly-painted walls and showcase stands.

Two new jobs have also been created as a result of the relocation.

Cycles UK is a family-owned business that sells a range of bikes, parts, accessories and clothing.

It has one other branch in the county, which is located in Canterbury city centre.

A spokesperson for the retailer said: “This additional space will allow Cycles UK to stock a wider range of bicycles and parts.

“The new store will also feature an expanded workshop, enabling Cycles UK to perform more servicing and repairs.

“Additionally, there will be space for events and access to a traffic-free cycle route for test rides.

“The existing team from Cycles UK Maidstone will transfer to the new store, and two new positions have been created. Collectively, the current staff at Cycles UK Maidstone have over 60 years of experience in the cycling industry.

“They are all locally based cyclists who use their local knowledge to select the best products and services for local customers.”

A spokesperson for the council said: “Maidstone council feels that the location of Cycles UK to the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre is a positive opportunity, bringing footfall and increasing awareness of the complex.

“The routes that follow the river from Lockmeadow offer travel by bike to the store, which further complements the location.

“Cycles UK is excited to relocate its business to Lockmeadow.”

An exact opening date for the new store and nursery is yet to be revealed.