Blast off: the park stretches over 35,000sq ft and is full of amusements
(Picture: Press handout)A new, indoor amusement park aimed squarely at children has opened in Camden, at the Hawley Wharf site.
After a prolonged soft launch, the 35,000 square foot space, called Babylon Park, is now fully open and includes drop tower, bumper cars, carousels and even a rollercoaster. Elsewhere are arcade machines, soft play areas, rooms for special events (which are kitted out with karaoke equipment), and kitchens serving the likes of waffles and ice-creams.
The huge hall has a space theme, and has been put together and designed by P&P Projects, which is best known for Madame Tussauds. The opening is the first Babylon Park in London and the UK at large, but the operator boasts a total of 20 sites across the world, including in Serbia and Israel. Camden’s park is the group’s biggest and most ambitious launch to date; its owner, Efi Malka, claims it “is the most technologically advanced indoor amusement theme park for kids in the world.”
The claim, in part, is based on the way Babylon works, whereby the dedicated Babylon Park app must be used. The application can be downloaded for free; parents then load it with money that is used for the attractions, and it also includes online games that mimic those in the physical site. The park claims the app helps parents keen an eye on what and how their children spend their money.
Malka said of the opening: “We’ve been dreaming of this week for years. Nothing like this existed anywhere in the UK before Babylon touched down at Camden Market’s Hawley Wharf and its to have our flagship venue in one of the world’s greatest cities for leisure and entertainment is a source of huge pride. We’ve now set our sights firmly on opening more Babylon locations across the UK and to cementing our position as leaders in the industry.”
He added: “The venue will also set the tone for our expansion across Europe and provide an opportunity for visitors to explore and learn, while having tremendous fun. Whether you’re aged five or 15, or a parent looking for a fresh way to keep the kids occupied, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.”
Camden Market Hawley Wharf opened to considerable fanfare late last year. Its owner, Teddy Sagi, characterised the Babylon Park opening as “hugely exciting.” He said: “The new entertainment centre reflects our emphasis on introducing fun and unique concepts to the destination, and being family-friendly. It sits perfectly alongside our existing and soon-to-be introduced leisure offerings, contributing greatly to the town’s domestic and international appeal as part of an overhaul of the area.”
