Page 48 - RLIJune2026

ronments. At 60,000sq ft, the venue is not just a roof top bar, but a across most major cities in the UK. Lane7 has become synonymous
space built with multi-dimensional purpose for experiences that blend with reshaping tenpin bowling experiences in city centre locations,
food, drink, music and culture, positioning it as a blueprint for future delivering a premium combination of daytime family-friendly and
mixed-use developments. From large scale events, corporate hospitali- night time grown-up experiences.
ty and day-to-night experiential use, the new venue offers a diverse mix The global pioneer in interactive group gaming, Immersive Game-
of amenities, with features such as the UK’s largest retractable-roof, a box, has signed a multi-million pound franchise agreement with Be-
purpose-built music venue and a curated mix of Newcastle born and yond Box Operations to open 30 sites across the UK in the next five
bred food & drink operators, framing Freight Island as a standout ex- years. The partnership combines Immersive Gamebox’s proprietary
periential destination across the UK and Europe. As retail environ- interactive gaming technology with a leadership team experienced
ments continue to shift towards experience-led models, developments in scaling consumer brands in high-footfall retail environments, a
like this demonstrate how landlords can ensure the continued success model designed to capitalise on the growing demand for experiential
of assets by creating culture-led destinations that attract repeat visits retail. Working with major studios including Netflix, Warner Bros.
and new audiences by adding to the entertainment ecosystem of a city. and Sony, it allows players to step inside interactive digital games
The flagship Arcade Arena by Little Lion Entertainment is sche- inspired by global entertainment franchises such as Squid Game,
duled to open in London in summer 2026. The immersive gaming Batman and Floor Is Lava, using projection mapping, touch-sensiti-
venue, which follows successful launches in Manchester and Dubai, ve walls and motion tracking technology. The concept already has a
allows players to physically step into classic retro and next-gen vi- global network of more than 35 locations across the UK, US, Cana-
deo games. Set to be the most ambitious Arcade Arena to date, the da, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia.
London site will feature three major multiplayer worlds, including GRID Braehead in Scotland continues to strengthen its position
the PAC-MAN LIVE EXPERIENCE (a walk-in, full-scale Pac-Man as one of the UK’s leading immersive entertainment destinations,
maze), Chaos Karts (a real-life racing game) and an exclusive new bringing together a dynamic mix of attractions, family experiences,
game titled Alien Invasion. dining and leisure. Home to operators including ODEON Luxe,
Meanwhile, Lane7 Group has secured its 30th site, with a new Tenpin, Paradise Island Adventure Golf and Adventure Land Soft
boutique bowling venue set to open in Exeter in early 2027. The Play - a new soft play concept - the destination continues to evolve
new location in the city’s Guildhall Shopping Centre will comprise with further family-friendly leisure operators and hospitality con-
27,000sq ft across two floors and marks another significant miles- cepts set to be announced. Momentum is building with the upco-
tone in the continued growth of the Lane7 brand, which has sites ming launch of e-karting and a purpose-built, high-quality out-

Main image: Lane7, 1 2
Manchester, UK
1. Arcade Arena
2. GRID Braehead,
Renfrew, Scotland

48 Retail & Leisure International June 2026