A new darts and pool super venue billed as the largest facility of its kind in Wales is expected to open in Connah’s Quay later this year.
Planning permission has been granted for Ellis’s Darts Ltd, a purpose-built, two-storey venue on Dock Road, with work now under way ahead of a proposed opening in November.
The project is being led by Lewis and Elizabeth Dickinson alongside Darren Billingsley, who runs Deeside Junior Darts Academy.
Named after Lewis and Elizabeth’s son Ellis, the facility will feature 10 dartboards with permanent oches, five pool tables, a bar, seating and a dedicated darts equipment shop.
The venue will become the new home of Deeside Junior Darts Academy, which currently has 82 youngsters registered and a reported waiting list of a further 30 players.
Ellis is among the academy’s current members, with Lewis explaining how watching his son play had demonstrated the benefits the sport could offer young people.
“I saw with my own eyes what playing darts did for Ellis,” he told Deeside.com.
“He grew in confidence so much stepping on that stage to play matches in front of strangers.”
Ellis’s Darts Ltd to become new home of junior academy
Ellis’s Darts Ltd will operate as a darts and pool venue, shop and bar, rather than solely as an academy.
Deeside Junior Darts Academy will be based at the venue, providing youngsters with access to coaching and organised competitions within a safe social setting.
Membership of Ellis’s Darts Ltd will be free, with members then able to pay to book dartboards and pool tables. The venue will be open to adults and juniors, providing a sporting and social facility for the wider community.
Billingsley believes the centre can fill a gap in the dedicated darts facilities available across North Wales, with leading local players currently travelling to Chester or Ellesmere Port to practise.
“It’s going to be the biggest facility of its kind in Wales,” he said.
“We have already had interest shown from Disability Darts Wales, the Junior Darts Corporation and the Welsh Darts Organisation to host events and competitions here, which is massive.”