Electric drift karting immersive experience ‘on track’ to create jobs at Merrion Centre Leeds

The first city electric drift karting indoor experience, Drift Stop, is set to launch at the Merrion Centre in the heart of the Leeds Arena Quarter.

Leeds based property investor and car parking operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has signed its latest tenant, Drift Stop at 16-18 Merrion Centre, creating 12 jobs for the city.

The brainchild of owner and director Andreas Aristotelous who built bespoke drift cars for his two young sons to enjoy during the Covid lockdown, the adrenaline pumping adventure is not to be confused with regular go karts as these drift on an indoor, purpose-built e-drift track.

Drift Stop has agreed terms on 7,308 sq ft of space at the Merrion Centre with the track on the ground floor and a workshop and repair station on the first floor. It will be situated in a “prominent position” within the main mall close to retailers Iceland, The Works, Superdrug and the Leeds United FC store.

The Leeds venue will also incorporate arcade games offering a mix of classic and modern options from Ferrari Twin, Sega Rally and Street Fighter Multi-play to Table Football, Fastrack Air Hockey and Boxing. The venue will also offer on site food and drinks with the new Leeds track soft launching from August 18.

Charles Newman, Associate Director at Town Centre Securities (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “We are delighted to bring this exciting urban karting adventure to the city of Leeds. Drift Stop will add something unique to our entertainment offer at the Merrion Centre and I’m sure it will appeal to both novices and experienced karters alike.

Andreas Aristotelous, owner and director of Drift Stop, said: “I am thrilled that the Drift Stop vision to deliver a fun and affordable, fully immersive, audio, visual, sports & gaming entertainment venue in the heart of Leeds is now becoming a reality.

“One of the best graffiti artists in the business, Andy Parle has transformed the space with huge art installations that are set to assault the senses as guests drift around the track.

“We are confident the unique karting experience, combined with nostalgic tech and gameplay, will prove popular with all ages and be a fantastic addition to the city’s Arena Quarter”.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily