What is now an underutilized shopping center at Routes 9 and 47 in Rio Grande, Middle Township, may soon become a large, family-friendly entertainment destination.

An announcement on Middle Township's Facebook page says the Cape Square Entertainment Center is coming to what is now the County Commons center.

Plans include eight movie screens, including an IMAX theater, what is being described as a "deluxe bowling alley" that will feature food and drink service, an indoor golf simulator, an arcade, and even a bar and a restaurant.

Officials with the township say all of the necessary government approvals have already happened and meetings will begin shortly between them and the crews who will be transforming the property.

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And apparently those in and around Cape May County won't have to wait too long to start having fun. The post of Facebook announcing the development plans say this could all be open by the end of this year.

The shopping plaza has most recently been used for county office space. Prior to that, the center was anchored by Kmart, which closed in 2017, and Frank Theatres Rio Stadium 12, which closed in 2019.

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