New look Bowlarama expands in New Plymouth

New Plymouth bowling venue Bowlarama is completing its expansion into a Family Entertainment Centre with mini-golf now complementing its tenpin bowling.

Closed for a three month redevelopment at the end of January, Bowlaramas $1.5 million upgrades includes new bowling lanes and equipment, a new scoring system and a pirate themed, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course.

Bowlers are now making the most of 16 new synthetic-surface lanes, new pin-spotting equipment, new bowls and new hire shoes in a more comfortable environment with the installation of an air-conditioning system for the facility.

The reinvestment at Bowlarama is part of a long-term view for the city facility, according to co-owner Frank Szedlak.

Szedlak told Fairfax Media "we want to provide the best experience possible . . . to deliver quality entertainment.

"This is now one of the best complexes in New Zealand, we have had that comment from top bowlers who travel to other centres for competition."

Bowlarama hosts a variety of tenpin league competitions involving about 150 bowlers along with corporate competitions and use by community organisations - including disabled bowlers, Special Olympics groups and residents from city retirement facilities.