Jersey Bowl was sold to the former owner of Tamba Park for more than £3m, Express can reveal.
Jonathan Ruff announced on social media that he had acquired the island’s only indoor tenpin bowling centre from MFA Bowl.
“I am super excited to breathe new life into the venue and make it amazing again,” he wrote.
Mr Ruff, originally from Preston in Lancashire, owns several Jersey-based businesses grouped under the holding company Ruff Ventures.
He was the owner of Tamba Park adventure playground and boating lake in St Lawrence, which closed in 2019.
In the post announcing his purchase of Jersey Bowl, Mr Ruff teased renovations including refurbished bowling lanes, new lighting and flooring, a “bigger and better arcade”, and glow-in-the-dark bowling.
He told Express that all 18 bowling lanes would be re-laid at the start of March, with new carpets and flooring to be installed at the same time.
Mr Ruff said that many of the renovations would be “cosmetic”.
“It’s just tired,” he explained. “From my experience in the building trade, renovating properties and bringing properties back to life – that sort of stuff doesn’t really scare me.”
The local businessman is also considering repositioning the Noodle Box to create a large children’s play area.
“Mums and dads could go there to use the bar, use the restaurant, or watch sport whilst their kids use the play area, arcade, and bowling,” he added.
Mr Ruff said that ideas under consideration for the venue’s large function room include glow-in-the-dark indoor crazy golf.
However, he explained that any use must not be too staff-intensive, due to recruitment challenges.
The new owner also confirmed that Jersey Bowl would remain open while renovations take place, including throughout this half-term week.
Former owners MFA Bowl purchased Jersey Bowl for £2.5 million in 2020, after previously operating the bowling alley since 2014 as its leaseholder.
Mr Ruff confirmed to Express that he had paid £3.4 million for the attraction.
The facility includes 18 bowling lanes, arcade games, an indoor play area, bar and restaurant.