Arcade and diner could open in Kettering town centre - if enough people back it

A retro arcade and diner could open in Kettering's town centre this summer - if it gets enough backing financially.

Plans have been put together to open the venture, called Rockets, at one of three undisclosed High Street locations with hopes it could open by July.

But it will only go ahead if an "all or nothing" Kickstarter funding scheme reaches its £30,000 goal by Thursday, February 11.

It's the brainchild of 37-year-old Martyn Brett and three of his relatives, who are all "old school geeks" and want to bring a bit of life to the town.

Martyn said: "It's something completely different for Kettering.

"There's a lot of empty units. We've got enough vape stores and cafes.

"I think it's the sort of thing that will bring footfall to the town and it will be a great place for kids."

If the project is successful Rockets would have an arcade with modern machines featuring classic games such as Pac-Man, Street Fighter and Pinball, with more than 15,000 games available to play.

Machines would be coin-operated with high scores recorded with a virtual reality sphere also in the arcade.

The bar and diner would offer usual bar drinks with cocktails and milkshakes and would serve burgers and hot dogs, with a range of their favourites and a build your own option, as well as ice cream and desserts.

It's also hoped the venue, which Martyn said would be 'like a trip down memory lane', could host gaming tournaments and live music.

If successful it would create between 15 and 20 jobs.

Martyn, who grew up in Kettering, said he feels there's no better time to bring a bit of excitement to the town centre.

He said: "I think it's the perfect time to able to do it.

"Covid isn't going to be going on forever and I think we need to start being positive.

"Hopefully by July or August it will be a lot better."

Kickstarter schemes offer people the chance to donate to a project or 'back' it in exchange for rewards if it's successful.

Rockets rewards range from an exclusive T-shirt (for £25) all the way up to four grand opening tickets, exclusive use for one evening with nibbles for 50 people, four exclusive T-shirts and four memberships to their 1k club (for £5,000).

Those who back the project are only charged if it reaches its fundraising goal.

If the Kickstarter page doesn't hit its target it's the end of the project, unless it were to get quite close and investment could be gained from elsewhere.

The Kickstarter page can be found here.