Teesside to level up with new virtual reality gaming centre

A new virtual reality (VR) gaming centre is set to open its doors in Teesside in May.

The Gaming Hideaway is due to open at the Pavilion Shopping Centre in Thornaby-on-Tees next month.

The firm has taken a five-year lease for a 3,500 sq ft unit at 20 St Peter’s House with commercial property and investment company LCP, which manages the centre.

The Gaming Hideaway will comprise more than 20 gaming stations, five VR stations and simulators – including the 360 VR Rollercoaster Simulator that turns 360 degrees.

In addition, the site will also feature an escape room, over 20 private booth gaming stations, PlayStation and Xbox gaming stations with access to more than 100 games and racing stations, as well as an on-site café.

Created by Kaiyn and Rachel Crooks, who have invested a six-figure sum in the concept, the centre is expected to create 17 jobs.

Co-founder Rachel commented: “We’re excited to be launching our business in the Pavilion Shopping Centre. We devised this concept pre-Covid and because of the way the gaming centre will operate, we haven’t had to change it.

“The centre can accommodate 24 gamers at a time and they must book a two-hour session. When they have finished there is a 15-minute slot that enables all equipment to be cleaned thoroughly. It is naturally a socially distanced activity so we won’t be required to reduce the number of gamers on site.”

Mark Horsfield, centre supervisor, added: “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome such an innovative family gaming centre to the Pavilion Shopping Centre and are looking forward to its opening. We’ve no doubt this will be extremely popular with visitors.

“With the opening of Microshops for fledgling retailers and now The Gaming Hideaway coming to the centre, this is an exciting time for the centre and for our shoppers.”