News Summary
Fairway Fusion, a new entertainment venue featuring golf simulators and a bar, has recently undergone a licensing meeting in Leyland. Local businessman Jack Thornton leads the initiative, which aims to provide a modern golf experience while addressing community concerns about noise and anti-social behavior. The proposed site at the former Rimmer Music store on Chapel Brow could become a recreational hub, offering a variety of entertainment options, including live music and interactive darts.
LEYLAND
A new entertainment venue featuring golf simulators and a bar, named Fairway Fusion, recently underwent a crucial licensing meeting in Leyland. The meeting, held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at South Ribble Borough Council, addressed the proposed operating hours, the provision of alcohol, and the inclusion of live and recorded music at the site of the former Rimmer Music store on Chapel Brow.
The plans for Fairway Fusion, spearheaded by local businessman Jack Thornton, have generated community discussion, with some residents expressing concerns regarding potential issues such as anti-social behavior, increased noise levels, and existing limitations on parking in the area. Mr. Thornton has publicly offered assurances, emphasizing that the primary objective of Fairway Fusion is to establish a modern and accessible golf experience for the community, with the sale of alcohol intended to be a supplementary amenity rather than the central focus of the establishment.
Community and Operational Details
The licensing application outlined proposed operating hours for Fairway Fusion from 5 am to midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 am to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Furthermore, permission was sought to serve alcoholic beverages from 9 am to 11 pm, Sunday to Thursday, and until 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. If approved, the venue would also be permitted to feature live music, specifically from 11 pm to 1 am on Friday and Saturday, and between 11 pm and midnight on Sundays.
During the licensing discussions on December 15, while statutory bodies did not submit representations, objections were raised by neighbors. These concerns centered on potential disruptions from “drunken customers” and the already limited parking capacity. In response, Mr. Thornton affirmed his commitment to operating Fairway Fusion responsibly and safely, aiming to contribute positively to Leyland. He also highlighted plans to showcase live music and support local musicians, intending to maintain the site’s rich musical heritage.
Transformation of a Local Landmark
The transformation of the much-loved Rimmer Music store, which had operated from the Chapel Brow site for many years, marks a significant shift in Leyland’s local business landscape. The ground and first floors of the building have been leased to Mr. Thornton to house Fairway Fusion, which will offer a diverse range of entertainment beyond golf simulators, including interactive darts and pool tables.
Rimmers Music itself has undergone changes, with its primary showroom and main store relocating to a new brand head office and warehouse at Unit 7 on Ribbleton Lane Trading Estate in Preston. This new Preston facility, which opened in December 2025 in time for Christmas, boasts an impressive selection of pianos from renowned brands. Co-owner Cathy Tate indicated an official grand opening for the Preston store would take place in early January. Despite the relocation of its main retail operations, Rimmers Music will continue to maintain its music school at the Chapel Brow location in Leyland, operating from the second floor of the building.
This redevelopment of a prominent Leyland building into a modern entertainment hub reflects ongoing efforts to diversify local leisure offerings. The approval of the licensing application would pave the way for Fairway Fusion to become a new focal point for recreation in the town.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Fairway Fusion?
- Fairway Fusion is a new entertainment venue planned for Leyland, featuring golf simulators, interactive darts, pool tables, and a bar.
- Where is Fairway Fusion located?
- Fairway Fusion is located at the site of the former Rimmer Music store on Chapel Brow in Leyland.
- Who is behind Fairway Fusion?
- Local businessman Jack Thornton is behind the Fairway Fusion project.
- When was the licensing meeting for Fairway Fusion held?
- A licensing meeting regarding Fairway Fusion took place on Monday, December 15, 2025, at South Ribble Borough Council.
- What were the community concerns raised about Fairway Fusion?
- Community concerns included potential issues such as anti-social behavior, increased noise levels, and existing limitations on parking in the area.
- What are the proposed operating hours for Fairway Fusion?
- Proposed operating hours for Fairway Fusion are 5 am to midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and 5 am to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
- What are the proposed alcohol service hours for Fairway Fusion?
- Permission was sought to serve alcohol from 9 am to 11 pm, Sunday to Thursday, and until 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Where has Rimmers Music relocated its main store?
- Rimmers Music has relocated its main showroom and store to a new brand head office and warehouse at Unit 7 on Ribbleton Lane Trading Estate in Preston.
- Will the Rimmers Music school still operate in Leyland?
- Yes, the Rimmers Music school will continue to operate from the second floor of the Chapel Brow building in Leyland.
Key Features of Fairway Fusion
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Fairway Fusion |
| Location | Former Rimmer Music store, Chapel Brow, Leyland |
| Operator | Jack Thornton |
| Primary Offerings | Golf simulators |
| Additional Entertainment | Interactive darts, pool tables, bar, live music |
| Proposed Operating Hours (Sun-Thu) | 5 am to midnight |
| Proposed Operating Hours (Fri-Sat) | 5 am to 2 am |
| Proposed Alcohol Service (Sun-Thu) | 9 am to 11 pm |
| Proposed Alcohol Service (Fri-Sat) | Until 1:30 am |
| Proposed Live Music (Fri-Sat) | 11 pm to 1 am |
| Proposed Live Music (Sun) | 11 pm to midnight |
| Community Concerns Raised | Anti-social behavior, noise, limited parking |