Virtual reality company Sandbox VR has taken more than 11,000 sq ft of space at MARK and BCP’s Grafton Place retail and leisure scheme in Dublin.
Sandbox VR will offer immersive full-body virtual reality experiences for groups of up to six people, with capacity for 120 customers. The venue will feature two bars, one of which will be run by a robotic bartender.
The company, which is backed by celebrity investors such as Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake, has signed a 15-year lease at the 46,600 sq ft retail and leisure scheme.
Lily Lin, managing director, UK and Ireland at MARK, said: “Sandbox VR is the latest technology occupier to join our Gratfon Place and Dawson Street mixed-use development. The unique experience they are providing will establish Grafton Place as a destination in its own right and help draw footfall from Grafton Street.”
Ray Crowley, director, at BCP, added: “The vision for Grafton Place has always been to develop a experiential retail and leisure offering for the consumer in Dublin city centre. With our first committed tenancy across the ground and basement levels we are delivering on this vision. Sandbox VR’s decision to open in Dublin reflects the health and resilience of the Irish consumer, and their offering will add to the rich set of amenities already in place in the Grafton Street sub-market.”
Andy Scanlon, CEO of Sandbox VR UK and Ireland, said: “We’re extremely excited to be bringing Sandbox VR to the heart of Dublin and providing a glimpse of what the future of entertainment looks like in this iconic city. Sandbox VR will be the perfect addition to the leisure offering in such a vibrant location, giving Dubliner’s the chance to escape into our eight virtual worlds, in one of the most advanced immersive experiences available on the planet.”
