26 Jan Chelmsford Si5 SpyMissions to open second Essex site following post-Covid surge in bookings
The owner of Si5 SpyMissions, on Dukes Walk in Chelmsford, says the business has been overwhelmed with interest from young would-be spies with a 156 percent increase in bookings since Covid restrictions were removed in July 2021.
The exciting spy-themed action-adventure centre is aimed at families and children aged six and above. Its enjoying a resurgence in popularity after it first opened mid-2019, before the pandemic forced its temporary closure, scuppering its official launch.
But as restrictions eased, and confidence and customers returned to the streets of Chelmsford the business is now reporting a healthy increase in interest, with children’s parties accounting for around 80 percent of bookings.
Si5 SpyMissions is the brainchild of Bob Richardson, an entrepreneur who harnessed his own characteristics of having ADHD to come up with the ideas. Bob explains that: “People have said they’re looking for somewhere safe and enclosed for their children to spend time and here children are being challenged, they must use their problem-solving skills and work together as a team to solve a time sensitive mission.
“Lots of our customers throughout the UK get gripped by the challenge and can’t wait to come back and try again. Our research shows that children visit once then return an average of five times. We change the games regularly, so you’ll never quite know what to expect.”
Bob adds: “Chelmsford is the 7th Si5 SpyMissions we’ve opened, and its recent success means the next centre is due to launch in Southend in March and others are in the pipeline for Colchester and then Leicester after that.”
Si5 SpyMissions offers an exciting, fast-paced game for children and families. The centre is immersive and exciting, featuring a replica of the Naval battlecruiser Steadfast, a top-secret Stealth Boat, and a room full of lasers beams too. Children can go along with school friends and have the mission entirely to themselves. Teams work together with a guide, to complete tasks and achieve their set mission in under one hour. The aim – to infiltrate the Naval ship and stop a deadly missile being launched, all without getting caught.
“The mission we set is written like any good action film, with an intense, secretive start building up to a fast-paced explosive finish! Our guides are there to help if things get a little tricky, but really, it’s all down to the group of children to complete the mission and save the day.” Adds Bob.
Bob came up with the idea and formula for Si5 SpyMissions by channelling what he describes as the benefits of having attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He first dreamt up the Si5 SpyMissions business 15 years ago after setting missions for his children at home.
He explains; “When my boys were small, I used to design exciting missions for them to complete around the house, then we’d go out on missions as family in the countryside over a few days. I even designed one where they had to take a pilot hostage and steal a plane, all with permission of course! A friend encouraged me to take it one step further and launch a business. So, in 2007, I gave up kitchen fitting and we opened our first Si5 SpyMissions. And it’s all grown from there.”
Along the route, new challenges are presented, as everyone works together to get safely back to base with seconds to spare.
The challenges suit children aged six to eight, then eight to 13, with more difficult games designed for those aged 13 plus. Group bookings for children’s birthday parties and corporate events have risen dramatically since September 2021.
Si5 SpyMissions is located at 3 Dukes Walk, Dukes Street, Chelmsford – find it behind the bus station next to Greggs. Pre-booking is essential. Children’s party prices are around £14.50 a head including a hot meal.
