A new children’s role play centre has opened in Winchester.
TotCity Winchester opened to customers in the Brooks Shopping Centre, beside HMV, on Friday, August 12, after announcing it would be moving to the Brooks in May.
It first opened its main centre in Andover more than three years ago and has proved popular with parents.
Leon Li, who owns the business with his wife Melissa, said parents had “been asking for years” for a centre in Winchester.
As a parent himself, he said: “Winchester is one of the most difficult places to find things to do for children, [there is] not even a soft play near here.”
He added: “The inspiration was, when my son Alexander was very little, we took him to a role-play centre, and we always thought there was a great concept for youngsters to use their imagination and creativity.
"More importantly, how they interact with other children, but also it is a safe environment compared to a soft play where you’ll be chasing them around and can not even enjoy a cup of coffee.”
TotCity offers a role play area with various toys, dress-up, and role play scenarios which include a supermarket and doctor's office.
There is also a café space with drinks and snacks available for both parents and kids. Sessions run for 90 minutes, meaning an hour and a half break for parents and caregivers, as well as an hour and a half of fun for kids.
Leon, from Stockbridge, said: "Here is very peaceful, children are in a secure place, and parents can enjoy a coffee, catching up with their friends and family.”
Leon said that the rest is especially appealing to grandparents as they can get “90 minutes of peace and rest” during their babysitting duties.
TotCity already has great reviews. An online parent review described TotCity it as: “Great for young children. There are lots of toys, role play, and fun things to play and interact with.”
TotCity has also recently opened in Salisbury, and both openings proved hugely successful.
TotCity has also announced plans to open in Worthing shortly, which has also been very well received by parents in the area. They hope to branch out across the south in the years to come.
TotCity costs £6.75 for walkers, £3.25 for crawlers, per session. To book go to totcity.co.uk
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