Prison Island Leeds: Huge new venue with multiplayer prison cell challenges set to open in the Merrion Centre
It’s the chain’s first site in the north of England
A new multi-activity entertainment venue has announced it’s opening its first venue in Leeds.
Prison Island is taking over 11,000 sq ft across two floors at the Merrion Centre, with the venue creating 18 new jobs in the city.
At the heart of the venue will be Prison Island, 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.
Teams can take on a variety of challenges, creating a different experience with every visit.
As well as the Prison Island experience, it will host other activities including darts and interactive golf.
There are more than 110 Prison Island venues across the world, but the Leeds site will be the chain’s first in the north of England, as it expands across the UK and Ireland.
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.”
Prison Island Leeds is expected to be open in time for Christmas.
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “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.”