Stories from across the pond of redundant department stores in shopping malls becoming giant FECs are now commonplace, but the practice is increasingly prevalent in the UK too these days.
This week has thrown up a couple of prime examples of family fun rescuing redundant retail space. A former Debenhams at Westfield, London, will become an interactive football games venue under the TOCA Social brand, which has sports stars Harry Kane and Leah Williamson as backers, reports the Evening Standard.
Work will start soon on the project to convert 35,000sq.ft at Europe’s largest mall, refitting it to hold 25 playing boxes and two bars that will also serve food.
The operator is a division of the US company TOCA Football and it will be the brand’s third location in this country, following the opening at Greenwich’s O2, where it has attracted 300,000 guests in the past year. The venue will also hold arcade games and a selfie booth.
Meanwhile, another similar entertainment use of former retail premises is opening at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness, reports the Inverness Courier.
The major soft play centre opens this Saturday with a jungle-themed play area next to the food court. It will cater for children up to five years.
And another - this time in Bolton. According to The Bolton News, there are plans - held up previously by the pandemic - for the town’s Market Place Shopping Centre. From the middle of next month the Game Vault opens in The Vaults of the centre.
Craig and Martin Holden will use a 1,000sq.ft unit for 30 amusement machines, including VR and pinball. The Market Place recently welcomed a Play2Par golfing experience.
