Latest news with #KittyVaughan
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for world's longest indoor e-kart track and e-sports centre revealed
AN Amusement centre has announced plans to open the world's longest indoor e-karting track and an e-sports hub as part of a £12.6 million refurbishment. XSite Braehead announced plans for the multi-million pound redevelopment on Wednesday, which are scheduled for later this year. Among the proposed plans, Paradise Island Golf is also undertaking a significant upgrade with the inclusion of a high ropes course. XSite has previously already carried out major refurbishment works to the centre including adding four new bowling lanes at the TENPIN bowling alley, two private karaoke rooms, and an overhaul of the bar. READ MORE: There are also plans to expand the family entertainment centre, Funstation, along with opening the world's longest indoor e-karting track and e-sports venue, K1 Speed. Bosses at the Renfrewshire-based entertainment complex said the £12.6m in further investment comes off the back of a 'very successful' 2024 which saw XSite Braehead welcome more than 2.1m visitors throughout the year. Kitty Vaughan, head of UK leisure and F&B at Pradera Lateral, XSite's Asset Management team said the 'unprecedented investment' shows the commitment to improving the visitor experience at the centre. She said: '2025 is a landmark year for XSite Braehead with the introduction of new tenants, and significant enhancements to the already popular existing attractions. 'This large scale, unprecedented investment highlights XSite Braehead's ongoing commitment to evolving and enhancing the visitor experience and with this we are setting the centre up for an extended period of exceptional growth.' The money has been drawn from a partnership of tenant and owner contributions.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First look at rooftop entertainment complex taking over former Debenhams
A new entertainment and dining hub inspired by Coney Island in New York and the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is set to open on the top floor of a former Debenhams. Freight Island is preparing to launch a new 'innovative cultural destination' in Newcastle as it transforms part of the rooftop of the shopping complex Eldon Square. The 60,000 sq ft space will be home to a range of food and drink offerings, music, and immersive entertainment in the heart of the city centre. From family-friendly events and global street food by day to high-energy DJ sets and live performances by night, the unique space is earmarked to open this autumn. New concept art has showcased how the exciting new development will look, which will also be home to the UK's first wine tanks and a specialist Aperitivo cocktail bar. Another key feature will be a purpose-built Music Box, a state-of-the-art venue for live music. This will allow Freight Island to host a variety of events, including corporate gatherings, art showcases, theatre, national festivals and international tours. Fans of Freight Island will recognise the firm from its award-winning site in Manchester, which launched in 2020. The former Debenhams store (Image: LDR) One of its standout elements is its drink and food options, and Newcastle will be no different, including global street food stalls, a restaurant overseen by an executive chef, and a food hall with communal seating under a retractable roof. Freight Island is also committed to growing produce on-site and supporting local suppliers, with the sustainable approach being 'central to the mission of creating a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious venue' that will also provide hundreds of jobs. Dan Morris, Co-founder and Managing Director of Freight Island said: 'This venue has been designed with scale, prominence, and long-term investment in mind. 'We hope to replicate the huge success of Freight Island in Manchester, where it has already contributed over £30 million to the local economy. 'This incredible venue in the heart of a very special city offers a truly exciting opportunity to create a cultural space that could become a focal point of Newcastle for years to come. 'Freight Island Newcastle will take inspiration from some of the world's leading social and entertainment spaces, and the venue will bring a mix of cultural and immersive experiences to Newcastle, including everything from kids' raves and Michelin-star level dining to live performances and some late-night parties." Kitty Vaughan, head of UK Leisure and F&B at Pradera Lateral, Eldon Square's Asset Management team, added: "Our vision for Eldon Square is to transform it into the beating heart of the city centre and the arrival of Freight Island will create a unique space that goes beyond retail, food and drink, blending music, culture, and community to create something truly unique for Newcastle. Securing this £16 million investment is an important building block in our ambitious growth plans for the centre." Cllr Dan Greenhough, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for economy, jobs and skills, said: 'The launch of Freight Island at Eldon Square marks an important moment in the transformation of Newcastle city centre and is something that I'm sure our residents will be incredibly excited about. 'Our city is recognised globally for its leisure offering and nighttime economy, and this strategic investment in the shopping centre will ensure that we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors seeking high-quality experiences. 'The opening of Freight Island comes at a time of significant development and regeneration for Newcastle and will no doubt stand out as prime example of our city's continued growth and success.' The addition of Freight Island to Eldon Square is set to be a major catalyst for Newcastle's regeneration, which is being bolstered by a number of significant investments. Freight Island says it's long-term lease at Eldon Square represents a 'significant commitment to Newcastle'. Read More: New bakery to open at Lowfields shops in Ingleby Barwick Hall Garth Hotel, in Darlington, to close golf course Water issue on Darlington street prompts emergency probe Dan Morris, co-founder and MD, added: "Newcastle is the perfect location to take Freight Island to the next level. 'The city is growing rapidly, and Freight Island will play an important part in that by nurturing local talent, whilst bringing our vibrant mix of food, drink, music, and entertainment to this incredible city." You can find out more from @freightislandnewcastle on Instagram.
