Mini Me Children’s Role Play World, a beloved play centre in Sutton Coldfield, has announced it will be closing permanently. The venue, which opened in September 2023 in the town’s Gracechurch Centre, quickly became a popular destination for children and their families.
Helen Tsang, Mini Me’s owner and former teacher turned entrepreneur, confirmed the closure and explained the decision came after plans to relocate to a larger space within the shopping centre were shelved. Although Mini Me was asked to leave its current premises and considered moving to a bigger unit, Helen decided that the move would take her away from her family, defeating the original purpose of starting Mini Me.
“One of the hardest parts is that having to leave wasn’t our choice,” Helen said. “We’d built a wonderful community and created a safe, welcoming place where children could learn through play, alongside SEN sessions, baby groups and reception school meet-ups.”
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She expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community support and the opportunities Mini Me provided, noting that it had become more than just a play centre. Helen highlighted the importance of balancing business ambitions with family priorities, stating that remaining close to her children was paramount.
Mini Me will host a closing party on Saturday 29th August as a celebration of the community it has built. Helen remains hopeful about the future, saying, “This isn’t the end of Mini Me. We truly believe that when the time is right and the right opportunity comes along, we’ll be back-bigger and better than ever.”
This closure follows other recent departures from the Gracechurch Centre, including the yoga studio I Am Yogi, which left due to rising venue costs but will reopen elsewhere in Sutton town centre. The Gracechurch Centre management has expressed regret at Mini Me’s departure but respects the decision. They had offered a larger space with a long-term lease, but understood the challenges involved.
The Gracechurch Centre is actively seeking new tenants and plans to develop a food and beverage quarter in the area. Currently, the former Mini Me unit is available for lease, with no confirmed new occupant.
Customers have praised Mini Me for its welcoming atmosphere and inclusive environment. One parent shared, “Staff absolutely friendly, helpful, get down with the children as well as making sure parents are happy. Can’t recommend here enough honestly.” Another remarked on the staff’s warm and personal engagement with families.
In a touching message on Mini Me’s Facebook page, Helen thanked supporters and emphasised that while the centre is closing for now, it is not goodbye forever. The focus will now be on family, with the possibility of a future reopening if the right opportunity arises.
Mini Me’s journey reflects the challenges and rewards of independent, community-focused businesses striving to balance growth with personal values.