Leisure terrace at Rushden Lakes could open next week

A temporary solution could see the leisure terrace at Rushden Lakes open again next week.

The terrace - which houses the shopping centre's flagship cinema and several restaurants - has been closed since a piece of exterior cladding was pulled loose by gale force winds during Storm Ciara on February 9.

It was evacuated and Cineworld, Starbucks, Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Flip Out, Rock Up, Heavenly Desserts, TGI Fridays, Hopmaster, Nando's, Zizzi, Five Guys, Blue Mountain Yard and Greggs have remained closed until further notice.

Health and safety specialists have been reviewing an interim solution to allow businesses to re-open whilst the damage and repairs are investigated.

A Rushden Lakes spokesman said: "We currently anticipate having an interim solution in place by Monday, March 2, which should enable us to grant all west terrace operators access to their units by this date.

"A number of our operators will need to undertake further works within their respective units, before these can return to normal trading, and we will continue to provide support with this wherever possible."

New restaurant Lago Lounge has twice had to put back its opening date because it is on the end of the leisure terrace.

Soft play centre 360 Play voiced their frustration at the closure during the half-term break.

The rest of Rushden Lakes’ stores and restaurants are open as normal.