Interactive gaming concept picks Leeds for Northern debut

Interactive gaming concept Prison Island is set to open its first location in the North of England at the Merrion Centre in Leeds.

The multi-activity venue, located on Merrion Street, will span 11,000 sq ft across two floors at the centre.

Prison Island is an immersive team challenge that sees players in teams of up to five tackle a series of themed cells designed to test physical ability, skill, teamwork, and problem-solving. The concept will also offer a range of additional competitive experiences, including interactive darts and interactive golf.

Leeds will join a network of over 110 Prison Island locations internationally and will become the concept’s fourth venue in the UK, joining existing locations in Belfast, Maidstone and Camden.

Ryan Lyttle, director of Prison Island Leeds, said: “The Merrion Centre is a superb location and felt like a natural fit for Prison Island. It’s a busy, well-established leisure destination in the heart of Leeds, with excellent transport links and strong footfall from residents, students, workers and visitors to the city.

“Being surrounded by other leisure, hospitality and entertainment operators also makes it an ideal location for a competitive socialising concept like ours.

“We’re most looking forward to finally bringing the Prison Island experience to Leeds. We’ve seen how well the concept works in Belfast, particularly because it appeals to such a broad audience and every visit can be completely different.

“With Prison Island alongside a range of additional activities, we’re excited to create a venue where people can come together, compete, have fun and discover something they haven’t experienced before.”

Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC, owner of the Merrion Centre, added: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Prison Island to the Merrion Centre. Its decision to launch its first venue in the North of England here in Leeds is a fantastic endorsement of the Merrion Centre as a destination for leisure and entertainment.

“The scale of the new venue, combined with the variety and interactive nature of the experiences on offer, will bring something genuinely different to our visitors. It’s another exciting addition to the Centre and one we’re confident will prove popular with people living, working, studying and visiting the city.”