Tamba Arcade could return to Jersey

A Jersey businessman has asked islanders if they would like to see Tamba Arcade returning to the island, in a new location.

Jonathan Ruff dreams of reopening an arcade after selling his Waterfront venture in 2019.

It comes as the area has seen several venues, including the arcade, TGI Fridays and Pizza Hut close over the years.

However, Mr Ruff does not want to return to the area, which is at the centre of redevelopment plans, and would rather open an arcade in a more central location.

He says he has had his eye on a place on the high street for some time.

"One of my businesses I do miss the most is the arcade, but obviously the Waterfront's pretty dead, isn't it?"

"It wouldn't be the right location for it, I'm always looking for places in town where there's more footfall.

"I have my eye on a building at the moment, which would work, so I thought I would reach out on Facebook and see if people are interested in an arcade coming back to Jersey."

The owner of ventures including Tamba Park and Ruff's Kitchen has recognised islanders' suggestions of a space similar to Manchester's NQ64, although he believes Jersey does not have the space for something like that.

"I see the comments, but what people have to remember is Manchester is a huge city and it's got loads of huge buildings, we don't have that in Jersey.

"It's all old school buildings and offices, there are very few buildings you could put that sort of entertainment space in.

"It would be nice to have something which you could have multiple different activities and businesses under one roof, but it's very tricky.

"Nothing massive, but it still would be, if we did do it, an amazing arcade."

When Channel 103 asked Jonathan Ruff if he had concerns about ideas for a new arcade at Fort Regent and if he would consider moving there, he said:

"States of Jersey? I'd rather chop my right arm off than deal with them.

"So, that's a no."

Jersey's Waterfront, when it was home to Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays, The bar and Arcadia.

However, if Mr Ruff decides to push ahead with his plans, he says he could have an arcade and cafe up and running within three months.

He wants it to be a blend of old and new, with visitors still receiving tokens but from more immersive games.

"I like the games where you're involved in the game, so lots more activity games.

"[At] Tamba Arcade, we started where you'd get tokens as rewards for how well you did in a game, and then they changed that [when it was taken over] and it was all done digitally.

"Fun of the arcade is you get something out of the machine and go and exchange it, so it would be old school and retro in that respect."