New Ipswich inflatable leisure park Inflata Nation, in former Unit 17 in Cardinal Park, to open later than expected

The opening of an inflatable park inside a former nightclub in Ipswich has been delayed.

In May this year, Southport-based Inflata Nation gained permission to transform the former Unit 17 in Cardinal Park into an inflatable play area for families.

Work began on the site in late August, and it was originally earmarked to launch during the October half-term.

However, Inflata Nation’s co-founder Matt Ball told SuffolkNews the park will now open later than expected.

The park could create more than 30 jobs and bring with it various activities including inflatable climbing walls, ball pits and slides.

It will also offer disability-friendly sessions and grown-ups only sessions – and each park is designed to be different.

Mr Ball said: "Our exciting new site in Ipswich is now due to open its doors in December.

"We’re doing something a bit special with this inflatable arena so there’s a lot of research and development work needed to get the product right.

"We can’t wait to reveal the details - it will be worth the wait."

This will be the 10th site the firm operates.

Unit 17 closed in 2022. The nightclub announced the news on April 6, with its closing party taking place on April 17.

The site had been a nightclub since at least 1999, and was previously Liquid & Envy.

A spokeswoman for Ipswich Borough Council said: “We’re pleased to see the vacated building turned into a leisure facility, which will have a positive impact on the local economy, bringing visitors and jobs to Cardinal Park.”