The old Towne Square shopping center is one more step to become a multi-concept interior and outdoor family entertainment center with mini golf course, laser label, karts, etc. The $ 17.7 million project, led by the local investment group TS Entertainment, LLC, received the approval on Wednesday from Kentucky Tourism Development Authority (KTDFA).
The project was approved for just over $ 2 million in incentives under Kentucky Tourism Development Act (KTDA), a program designed to support projects that improve tourism and stimulate local savings.
“We are grateful to the support of the state while we are advancing in this process,” Tony Yager said Entertainment LLC in a statement on Wednesday afternoon. “Ktda’s approval is receiving an exciting step, but there is still work to do. While we continue to refine our plans, community commitment and local support will be essential to make this vision a reality. We are delighted to continue to move forward. ”
TS Entertainment LLC provides that development could create 75 full -time permanent jobs and part -time 50 at the end of the schedule planned over 2 years. Project managers added that the installation has the potential to bring in significant tourism growth, with estimates indicating that visitors outside the state could represent 25% of customers in the first year and 35% by the fifth year.
TS Entertainment LLC continues to explore the feasibility of the project, working with local and state partners to assess the next steps.
“We are delighted to continue working alongside TS Entertainment while they explore this opportunity,” said Claude Bacon, president and chief executive officer of Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, in the press release. “Securing KTDA incentives is an excellent next step, and we are impatient to see how this project continues to develop.”
During the KTDFA meeting on Wednesday afternoon, President Kimberly Huston said that the office of the state budget director and the finance administration firm examined the consultant’s recommendations and conclusions, ultimately approving the total project incentives. During the duration of 10 years of the agreement, these incentives will not exceed $ 2,007,000, said Huston.
KTDFA granted the final approval, the certification awaiting the director of the state budget and the firm of the finance administration. Before voting, Ktdfa participated in a session on camera to discuss the project. When they returned to the open session, officials did not provide additional details. However, Huston expressed his general enthusiasm for development.
“I have friends who live in Owensboro, and this project is quite exciting at the moment,” she said.
KTDFA initially granted a preliminary approval for the project on October 30, 2024. Although the discussions during this meeting also took place during a session in camera, the meeting documents describe the entertainment center planned as a destination in theaters, a laser label, a bowling alley, an arcade, a kart track, a children’s playground and various Lawn games. In addition, an interior lawn and a stage area would allow special events and concerts.
TS Entertainment representatives have refused to comment more at the moment.