WORK is progressing on a new boutique bowling alley in the centre of Durham that will officially open later this year.

Plans for new state-of-the-art bowling alley Lane 7 were announced a few months ago and contractors have now continued their presence on the site.

As part of the project, the former Fat Buddha restaurant in the Walkergate facility will be transformed as part of a £1.5m scheme and the new site is due to launch this summer. 

Read more: Bowling Alley Lane 7 opens at Durham's former Fat Buddha

Despite an official opening date not yet been set by Lane 7, new development photos have been released by the bowling brand to spark up interest for the city’s newest venue.

The new leisure complex will boast walnut bowling lanes, cricket batting cages; darts; beer pong; basketball hoops and arcades, as well as a large bar and an outdoor seating area.

Graeme Smith, chief operating officer for Lane7, said: “Work has started to transform the space, the new look and feel will be completely different to the old venue with graffiti bowling lanes and lots of gaming.

The Northern Echo: The Lane 7 venue will open up in Walkergate, Durham. Picture: LANE7.The Lane 7 venue will open up in Walkergate, Durham. Picture: LANE7.

“The countdown to opening is on and we can’t wait to get the doors open.”

The new site will create more than 30 new job roles for local people and the hunt for new staff has begun.

The Northern Echo: Lane 7 will transform the former Fat Buddha restaurant. Picture: LANE7.Lane 7 will transform the former Fat Buddha restaurant. Picture: LANE7.

Anyone interested in a job at the new venue can send their CV to recruitment@lane7.co.uk 

Lane7 is no stranger to the North East of England having been founded by Tim Wilks in Newcastle before opening in Middlesbrough, as well as operating a sister-brand in North Shields and operating its nationwide support centre from Darlington.

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