Game on for Activate at Harlequin Watford

Immersive gaming concept Activate is set to join Harlequin Watford after signing for a 15,592 sq ft unit.

The competitive socialising concept is being delivered by We Do Play, the group behind trampoline and indoor park operator Flip Out, which also has a venue at Harlequin Watford.

The new venue will look to combine immersive gaming with technology-driven challenges, designed for groups of visitors. It will feature all of Activate’s flagship experiences, featuring lasers, grids, hoops, portals, and reaction-based challenges.

The upcoming arrival of Activate comes as SGS UK Retail, which owns and operates Harlequin Watford, looks to evolve the scheme’s tenant mix with a rejuvenated leisure focus.

Rich Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, said: “Watford is a thriving, well-connected town with a strong retail and leisure offer, making Harlequin a natural choice for Activate. Retail destinations that invest in immersive leisure experiences are encouraging increased dwell time and repeat visits, particularly among younger audiences and families. Activate is designed to tap into that demand with a high-energy, bookable experience that delivers something genuinely different.”

Robert Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera, added: “Harlequin has evolved into far more than a traditional shopping destination, and the signing of Activate will continue the momentum of bringing fresh and contemporary concepts that complement the centre’s growing leisure and hospitality offer.  This is another strong example of our long-term strategy coming to life, creating more reasons for visitors to stay longer, spend more and return more frequently.”

Time Retail and LM are Harlequin’s retail leasing agents, while Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages the scheme on behalf of SGS UK Retail. LM acted for Activate.