Ninja Warrior UK has officially launched its adventure park in Swansea today The new leisure facility has opened up within part of the old Toys R' Us, and is a 24,000 square foot facility.
All it takes is one step inside the place and you'll see the familiar sight of the popular ITV show, which this year returns for a sixth series. Just like the primetime favourite it has obstacles to climb, balance, jump and swing across. There's an inflatable section with tunnels and battle towers and of course there is the famous warped wall – three of them in fact at different heights catered for different age groups.
Well-known football pundit Chris Kamara, who co-hosts the show together with Ben Shephard, attended the new Parc Tawe Retail Park venue to see it for himself and he gave it his full approval. Giving his thoughts on the new Ninja Warrior facility in Swansea he said: "It's unbelievable! It's as good as it gets. The warped wall is, well, if it's not identical it nearly is. It's so good. The obstacles are identical to the real thing to what you see on TV. Obviously the course is smaller because the scale of Ninja Warrior is incredible but this is a nice mini version. I haven't tried it out myself because I'm old and decrepit. But this is the 10th one I have opened out of 15 around the UK and there could well be by the end of next year another 10.
"It has got massive health benefits for all those who participate. The kids love it. You've seen the inflatable – that's brilliant for the kids – and in general it is so good for fitness, competition, keeping yourself fit."
Kammy wasn't the only famous face in attendance at the new venue. Fans of the show will have recognised Dean Cheetam – otherwise known by his Ninja name Retro Deano. Mr Cheetam was a season four and five finalist and was there on the day to show people the ropes. He said: "What I love about this park in particular is that we've got six lanes to do. Usually you'd do one lane and do a U-turn. There is much more versatility here and at the end you've got the mega warped walls as well. It has a similar feel to being on the show – the branding and everything is the same but the distances we'd have on the show are much wider. Bring your friends, bring your family, come down and enjoy it – it's accessible for everybody."
Fellow Ninja Alix Arndt was also on hand at the opening. She has competed in Ninja Warrior shows across the world. She told us: "I'm originally from Germany but now I live in Wales – I have competed in the UK, Germany, Vietnam, and America. It's good fun and it's a good way to keep fit. The course here in Swansea is really, really awesome. We have been to a few of these parks but this is the biggest one I have been to. This one has got six lanes instead of the usual two or three and has got the biggest warped wall I have ever seen so come down and check it out."
The new facility officially opens to the public on Friday, July 22, with tickets costing £12 for an hour or £18 for two hours. You must be at least four years of age to take part and those aged 12 and under must have adult supervision. Its arrival marks another boost in the fortunes for Parc Tawe Retail Park, which has also welcomed the likes of Flashpoint, Sports Direct, Barnardo's, and Aldi in recent times, bolstering its offering after going a significant period of time half empty. You can read more about that by clicking here.
Adam Thyer Owen was one of the first to try out the new facilities. Giving us his reaction he said: "So far? Crazy. It gets every single muscle moving – the amount of sweat that has come out of me, it's a totally different kind of workout. It's the kind of place you have to be here to believe it – it's awesome. It is training, conditioning, and practising." Owen Williams 35, and Jacob Williams, 22, were also on hand to enjoy the day. They said: "It's really good. Some of it is quite hard. You go from easier obstacles to more difficult ones. It's going to be great for Parc Tawe having this here. It makes a change from the gym and climbing centres – here you have proper obstacles. We'd definitely recommend it to friends."
David Edwards is the general manager of the new facility. He said: "We're a 51-member team and it has been a long time in the making. My focus until now has been to get the business ready to open and get the team on board. It's my first experience as GM having having done many different years as manager in previous jobs and it's a privilege to do it with Ninja Warrior. It is such a great addition to Parc Tawe and to the area in general."
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