Cafe owner moves into children’s playground business

A new playground for all ages, where you can swing off the Adelaide Central Market building and climb a surf-lifesaving tower, is heading to Adelaide.

Charlie, 11, Fred, 4, director Joshua Baker, Angus, 2, Lily, 5, Cooper, 9, Jack, 7, Max, 7, having fun at Funtopia Prospect. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

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Ever wanted to swing off the Adelaide Central Market building, muck around at Adelaide Oval or even climb a surf-lifesaving tower?

Thanks to the man behind Adelaide cafes and bars including Part Time Lover, Whistle & Flute, Clever Little Tailor and the Port Admiral Hotel, you can.

Co-director Joshua Baker is getting ready to open an indoor playground business – Funtopia Prospect – for the young and the young at heart.

Mr Baker and his business partners have spent up to $4 million converting an old Woolworths supermarket into an undercover complex with slides, a go-kart track, climbing walls and mazes.

Fred Adcock, 4, on the volcano slide at Funtopia. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

“We were wanting to get into this sector for a while and then the Funtopia brand came across us and we were really impressed with it,” Mr Baker said.

“Funtopia is all around the world but we have our own twist on how we do stuff. We think it will be special experience for everyone.”

Cooper, 9, and Charlie, 11, at Funtopia Prospect. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

Lily, 5, at Funtopia Prospect. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

The playground’s cafe, Mr Spriggins, is inspired by Part Time Lover and Whistle & Flute’s menu and has both healthy and naughty options.

There are also party rooms for children and adults.

General manager Brett Hicks-Maitland said the venue was “all about having fun”.

Lily, 5, had a sneak peek at the playground and can’t wait to go back.

Funtopia, at 259-269 Main North Rd, Sefton Park, will open in early February.