First UK Site Secured for New Global Entertainment Experience
Urban Playground is a brand-new entertainment concept set to launch in Manchester in February, with other venues planned later in 2022 and beyond. It promises to be the must-go-to destination for the biggest and best experiential day out.
The first exciting new complex, located at the Manchester Arndale, includes the highly anticipated The Cube Live, state-of-the-art Putters minigolf, two bars and award-winning restaurant, The Butcher.
Responsible for some of the biggest theme parks and attractions around the world, The Mellors Group is behind the unique concept.
Director of Urban Playground, Edward Mellors, said: “With the collapse of Arcadia Group and large retail and experiential spaces being left vacant, Mellors Group are thrilled to launch Urban Playground in its place at Manchester Arndale. The Cube Live is the first of its kind along with a state-of-the-art Tech-Infused Mini-Golf, Putters and food franchise, Butcher. We hope this is the first of many Urban Playground attractions to be produced across the UK and cannot wait for doors to open to the public for the very first time.
“We’ve been looking for suitable sites for a long time with Box Property. After all the effort we’ve put in together it’s great to be launching the first Urban Playground site in Manchester Arndale. We are also in advanced discussions for further sites for 2022 and actively looking for locations across the UK and US over the next 5 years in a ground-breaking roll out to save our highstreets. A second venue of 130,000 sq. ft. has already been secured for development.”
Property consultants, Box Property are leading on the ongoing property search and have advised on the acquisitions to secure further sites for the new concept.
Box Property Director, Ben Tebbutt said: “With the first venue set to open in early 2022, others being secured and an active search in progress for additional units across the UK, this is an exciting prospect from our long-time partners, The Mellors Group. They increased footfall by 6 per cent with their temporary Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland installation in Nottingham city centre, so with Manchester being a permanent attraction, it’s expected to make a huge impact on the national retail experience.”
With global rights to The Cube Live Experience, Urban Playground will enable fans of the award-winning ITV gameshow the opportunity to experience games inside the iconic Perspex box for the first time.
Colin Flinn, spokesperson for Manchester Arndale, said: “It is great news that Urban Playground – which includes The Cube Live – has chosen Manchester Arndale as its first location in the UK. Urban Playground is a truly exciting, high-profile use with a unique experiential offer and a key addition to the centre’s leisure provision.
“Experiential attractions are rapidly becoming key features of UK shopping destinations and are helping to draw in more visitors from a broader catchment tempted by a multi-purpose visit. This, in turn, attracts other occupiers enhancing the centre’s appeal and vibrancy. Urban Playground will be a huge asset to Manchester Arndale, reinforcing the centre’s position as one of the premier shopping destinations in the north west.”
Directors Ben Tebbutt and Frankie Labbate established Box Prope