After a turbulent battle with the local council, Europe’s largest free-play gaming arcade has finally been given the go ahead in Lancashire.
Fittingly based in Blackpool, the capital of England’s arcade industry, Arcade Club will immerse visitors down memory lane with more than 200 retro games available to play, including classics Frogger, Blasteroids and Assault.
Younger gamers will be thrilled with modern gaming favourites Call of Duty, Minecraft and Fortnight on offer – as well as the opportunity to delve into virtual reality (VR) gaming, a new phenomenon in the experience world.
The spacious Arcade Club will include a separate zone which will feature games older in age classification, as well as an abundance of board and card games dotted around various tables at the attraction. A licenced-bar and restaurant will also be on offer for a time-out break.
Transforming Blackpool’s entertainment scene
Blackpool’s newest entertainment centre will be housed at the former Sam Thai Casino which has life derelict for the last five years. Original plans proposed the new experience to be up and running by February this year, but was blocked by Blackpool and the Fylde Council.
After making adjustments and resubmitting proposals, the mega amusement arcade was finally granted permission by council officials last week (September 29).
The new Blackpool gaming centre will be the third Arcade Club launched in the UK, after Leeds and Bury.
A statement from the website reads: “The arcade industry is alive and well but we know many of you yearn for the return of a more traditional arcade experience. It’s what we do, bringing back the classics from yesteryear while at the same time, embracing more modern forms of gaming. Our plans have been delayed a little, but we have the games and the location. We think you’ll love it.”
The new Arcade Club is expected to open in the seaside town later this year.
Elsewhere, a new interactive children’s entertainment centre has opened in York.
