A Lithuanian mother and son are celebrating after winning approval for a family friendly café and entertainment centre in March.
Real Dreams, on the first floor of Marcam House, Station Road, will host fun days, English classes, children’s art classes and music.
On Wednesday Fenland District Council planning committee approved their plans – just weeks after the licensing committee had approved an alcohol licence.
The planning committee originally refused the application because no outdoor smoking area had been allowed but with that in place, councillors approved it.
The new venue –opposed by two councillors including former mayor Bernard Keane-will also hold live big screen football, karaoke, discos and samba style dance classes.
Councillor Jan French said: “There were concerns about anti social behaviour but now a licence has been successfully applied for these things can be dealt with.”
Jurate Gramantiene, her son Rytis Gramantas and his wife Laura Gramante are passionate about opening the doors to all nationalities.
In Lithuania Mr Gramantas ran youth clubs where he taught youngsters music and encouraged them to take part in sporting and creative activities.
“This centre is about welcoming everybody from all cultures,” he said.
“We want ideas so people tell us what they want to see here; it is about having a real mix of things here.”
Mrs Gramantiene said: “We hope to encourage British women to come along to our ladies nights from 7-9pm on Thursdays. They will be able to help on a social level with English and also come up with traditional games and songs for children.
“People have been scared it is a nightclub but it isn’t; it is an educational and cultural centre for families.”
The cafe opens at noon daily and people can drop in without being a member.
After 9pm people must members but they can join for £6 per year.
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