AN “ADVENTURE” for kids – and big kids – could soon be on offer in the centre of Tranent.

Ambitious plans to transform the office to the rear of the former Giancarlo’s restaurant into Mini Golf Tranent have been revealed.

Proposals – featuring pool tables, table tennis, a computer room and possibly a karaoke room, as well as a mini golf course – are now with East Lothian Council’s planning department.

Dean and Leanne Johnstone, who are behind the scheme are hopeful it could prove a big hit.

Dean told the Courier that he was part of an active family who enjoyed doing things together.

He added: “Dunbar, North Berwick, East Linton, Gullane, Tranent, Elphinstone, Ormiston are all growing towns.

“They need something like this without having to travel to the east side of Edinburgh or further.

“The next place after that is the Corn Exchange.

“If we have something on our doorstep, it would be ideal.”

Dean, who lives in Cockenzie, bought the building, which was previously used as an office, from his mum.

Plans were previously in place for it to be turned into a gym but the scheme fell through.

Instead, a conversation with his son saw the idea of Mini Golf Tranent born.

He said: “Myself and my wife decided to maybe give a business venture a go.

“We have got three kids, two older kids in their twenties and the youngest is coming up for 13.

“He was sitting watching his iPad in the kitchen and watching YouTube videos that consisted of people playing different games; for example, there was a giant pool table where people were playing football.

“I asked if he liked it and he said it looked amazing.

“Myself and my wife looked at each other and said: ‘Are you thinking what I’m thinking?’

“We are a really fun family, going to Lane7 [in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter] and Roxy Lanes.

“We like to do things with the kids, as a family, and different activities.”

Dean, 38, said that they were also hoping to put in a bar so children could have a soft drink and adults an alcoholic drink.

The plans are now in the hands of the local authority, with planning permission and a drinks licence required.

Dean was hopeful that half a dozen jobs, ranging from cleaners and bar staff to people helping on the attraction’s shop floor, could be created for local people.

He told the Courier that “something like £100,000 to £150,000” could be spent in the process of kitting out the venue.