The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A multi-million dollar family entertainment centre will today complete its first month in business, after filling a market niche many parents and children were "crying out for".

FunGalaxy, effectively a mini-version of Nassau's annual carnival, spent three-and-a-half years in development and construction before opening its doors on June 30 this year.

Antonio Stubbs, FunGalaxy's vice-president, declined to name the principal developers behind the company, but said its opening had created 14 Bahamian jobs.

"FunGalaxy is the newest indoor family entertainment centre in Nassau," he told Tribune Business. "It is, simply put, an 'indoor mini Carnival for children and their parents/guardians in a climate-controlled environment.

"FunGalaxy is a well thought-out, meticulously developed, multi-million dollar entertainment centre borne out of inspiration from the children of the principal entrepreneur."

Mr Stubbs said development of FunGalaxy, which is located on Bernard Road at the junction of Adderley Street and the turning for St Augustine's College (SAC), began in late 2013/early 2014.

He added that the company's principal target market was children aged 2-12 years-old, although it did cater to teenagers, too.

"We opened on June 30," Mr Stubbs told Tribune Business. "This facility was needed really, really badly. Other facilities have closed down, and the Carnival comes only once a year.

"It's something people have been dying for. As the company grows, we are seeing more people coming from afar, and it's expanding really quickly due to social media and word-of-mouth.

"We can handle up to 250-300 people at any one time. It's been awesome. It really, really has. Everyone loves it. It's one of a kind; unique. You cannot find it anywhere else in the Bahamas."

Mr Stubbs described Fun Galaxy's prices as "affordable", and said rides for young children included bumper cars; a pirate ship on a swing that moves back and forth; planes that swing round in the air; a train; carousel of horses; and a 'tea cup' ride.

The amenities also include a video arcade and games that include basketball; iceball/mini-bowling; and motorbiking/motorcross. FunGalaxy comes equipped with a concessions room serving food and drink products similar to those found at the cinema.

Mr Stubbs said the complex also provided 'party rooms' for birthdays, and it also catered to schools, summer camps and church groups. A 'self-serve' photo booth is also on property.