Latest news with #CrossKeysShoppingCentre
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Retro gaming arcade in Salisbury saved from immediate closure
The owner of an independent retro gaming arcade which was on the brink of permanent closure said he had been "blown away" after more than £3,000 was raised to save Score Arcade in Salisbury, Wiltshire, closed in June due to running costs and low footfall. However following a "make or break weekend", which involved two open days, its immediate future has been owner James Petherick said: "Locals, businesses, and supporters around the world have come together to keep something special alive for Salisbury." Opened in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre in August 2024, the arcade features a carefully-restored collection of classic pinball and retro gaming to the open days, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, cost a minimum of £1, with other donations made via an online arcade said it would now work to update its booking system, reopening with updated times on its website and social media arcade said it was "excited to welcome the community back through its doors".
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Appeal to gamers to help save unique retro arcade
The gaming community has a final chance to save an independent retro arcade from closing for good. Salisbury's only pinball venue, Highest Score, was forced to close last month due to running costs and low footfall. The owner, James Petherick, is urging people to support the arcade over two open days on 11 and 12 July in a last-ditch effort to keep the arcade alive. "This weekend is about showing what's possible when people come together. If there's ever been a time to visit, it's now," he said. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire The arcade, in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre, opened in August 2024 and features a carefully-restored collection of classic pinball and retro gaming machines. "When I closed, the whole community was, like, 'wow, we can't afford to lose this'", said Mr Petherick. "There are three generations of children and adults that have never seen a pinball machine and I built Highest Score to bring back real, hands-on gaming and community fun to Salisbury." Mr Petherick said the open days were an opportunity to raise awareness and prove that independent shops can survive when supported by the people and businesses around them. The invitation is for "anyone aged eight to 80", with games available for all ages. Entry is a £1 minimum donation for an unlimited time and an online donation page has also been set up to help secure the arcade's future. "If I can raise enough over the two days, I'll be able to keep the arcade going for at least another week, and then hopefully into the summer holidays and beyond," he added. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. City venue has 'so much potential' say new operators Museum to reopen following £5m renovation School launches Dungeons & Dragons games for pupils Highest Score Arcade
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Appeal to gamers in Wiltshire to help save unique retro arcade
The gaming community has a final chance to save an independent retro arcade from closing for good. Salisbury's only pinball venue, Highest Score, was forced to close last month due to running costs and low owner, James Petherick, is urging people to support the arcade over two open days on 11 and 12 July in a last-ditch effort to keep the arcade alive. "This weekend is about showing what's possible when people come together. If there's ever been a time to visit, it's now," he said. The arcade, in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre, opened in August 2024 and features a carefully-restored collection of classic pinball and retro gaming machines."When I closed, the whole community was, like, 'wow, we can't afford to lose this'", said Mr Petherick."There are three generations of children and adults that have never seen a pinball machine and I built Highest Score to bring back real, hands-on gaming and community fun to Salisbury." Mr Petherick said the open days were an opportunity to raise awareness and prove that independent shops can survive when supported by the people and businesses around them. The invitation is for "anyone aged eight to 80", with games available for all ages. Entry is a £1 minimum donation for an unlimited time and an online donation page has also been set up to help secure the arcade's future."If I can raise enough over the two days, I'll be able to keep the arcade going for at least another week, and then hopefully into the summer holidays and beyond," he added.
