A BOWLING centre about to unveil an American-style makeover as part of a £250,000 upgrade.

Bowlplex, on Poole Road in Branksome, is being turned into a new generation Hollywood Bowl entertainment centre, its owners say.

The four-week refurbishment programme began at the start of July, with the centre remaining open during the refurbishment work.

The work is expected to be finished later this week.

The 24-lane bowling attraction has been re-designed to feature contemporary American decor.

A Hollywood Diner is to serve gourmet burgers and hot dogs, with shakes served in retro milk bottles, and “signature” US-style desserts.

An American-style bar is to offer house speciality cocktails and two pool tables. Music and lighting have also been upgraded.

The amusement area of the attraction has been undergoing a revamp, with the introduction of such leading arcade games such as Jurassic Park, Cruisin Blast, Pacman Smash, cranes, MOTO GP Bikes, Injustice and Time Crisis 5.

Paula Christie, centre manager of Hollywood Bowl Branksome, said: “We can’t wait to give people the Hollywood Bowl experience.

“We’ve totally revolutionised the bowling experience and our refurbishment and rebranding will give the centre a completely new look and feel. You won’t recognise it.”

The business is part of the Hollywood Bowl Group, which was formed in 2010 and has 58 centres operating under the Hollywood Bowl, AMF Bowling and Bowlplex brands.

The company’s venues offer modern booking systems, allowing people to plan their visits online, as well as American diners, licensed bars, Costa Coffee outlets and bookable VIP lanes.

The Hollywood Bowl Group employs around 2,000 people across the country.

A similar refurbishment took place at Poole’s Tower Park bowling attraction, which was turned form a Bowlplex into a Hollywood Bowl in 2016.