A COUPLE have moved a step closer to realising their dream of opening a play café in Helensburgh after finding a venue in the town.
Penny and John Kennedy previously called on the community to help bring to life their vision of an educational hub for young children to play, learn, and develop.
They launched a survey last year to gauge the demand in the area and received more than 400 positive responses in two days.
They began viewing vacant commercial properties but have been repeatedly faced with the same issue from landlords of the long wait to obtain permission from Argyll and Bute Council to change the property's use.
However, their luck changed when the landlord next to the former Toy Shop on West Clyde Street reached out after reading the Advertiser's story.
Work has now officially started to transform the space after inspiration was pulled from online.
The couple, who live in the Kirkmichael area, can't reveal an opening date yet, but have confirmed that they hope to share their vision for the space in the coming months.
Penny said: "Originally, we were looking for a big premises so we could cater to as many people as possible, so we have had to be more considered with our space.
"We've scaled back our original ideas but will still have role play areas that will rotate in theme, baby toys, arts and crafts, board games, reading nook and plan to host lots of exciting events.
"We have been busy doing lots of work, but the trade work has officially started.
"After hours of stripping wallpaper, taking down a wall, building and installing a new bathroom, plastering and laying flooring, we're getting there now. We've started the mist coat on the walls and will be painting, tiling and setting everything up over the next few weeks.
"It is starting to look like a real cafe."
The aim is to set up the business - named Wiggle Room Play Cafe - as a social enterprise where families can enjoy sessions along with healthy food options.
In addition, it would host support groups for families, partner with local specialists, run seasonal events and celebrations and raise funds for causes that matter in Helensburgh.
They added: "It feels like a long process but we're almost there and so excited to meet everyone who has been supporting us.
"We can't comprehend all the support we've had from friends, families, trades, our landlord, other local businesses and the wider community. It's been amazing and feels truly special.
"John works for himself and has been so great at managing the work, and thanks to this new opportunity, I'm leaving my corporate job next week to focus on the cafe, which is something I've wanted to do for so long.
"We will be revealing our plans for the space, menu and upcoming events soon. We just can't wait to show you what we have planned."
For more information and to follow the updates, visit wiggleroomplaycafe on Instagram.
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