Competitive socialising operator Gravity MAX has signed for a circa 85,000 sq ft unit at NewRiver REIT’s The Capitol Centre in Cardiff.
The company has signed a 20-year lease and will pay a base rent of £870,000 per annum, subject to five-yearly index-linked rent reviews and a turnover top-up rent.
The site will offer a wide range of immersive and competitive socialising experiences, including multi-level electric go-karting, bowling, Lab Rat escape rooms, Heineken Sports Bar, 18-hole street golf, virtual reality experiences, Immersive Gamebox, interactive gaming, arcade attractions, food and beverage offers, live sport and entertainment.
NewRiver is investing £12m into The Capitol Centre to deliver a comprehensive refurbishment programme including fit-out works to facilitate Gravity Max, the creation of a new dedicated 24-hour entrance for The Gym and centre car park, additional restaurant space, upgraded car parking and a new brand identity.
Allan Lockhart, CEO of NewRiver, said: “The signing of Gravity MAX is a landmark moment for The Capitol, securing a significant long-term letting that will create one of Cardiff’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations. This agreement represents the successful delivery of our turnaround strategy for the centre, transforming it into a more relevant and vibrant destination for today’s consumers. Importantly, it demonstrates our ability to unlock value through active asset management and generate attractive returns on investment for our shareholders while creating stronger destinations for our customers and occupiers.”
Michael Harrison, co-founder of Gravity MAX, added: “Gravity Max Cardiff marks our fifth and largest UK venue, and with state-of-the-art competitive socialising activities available, there really is ‘everything for everyone’ in this department store of fun. The combination of location, scale and NewRiver’s vision for The Capitol makes this an incredibly exciting opportunity.
“This will be one of our largest and most ambitious venues to date, delivering a premium entertainment experience, attracting visitors, creating more jobs and offering a dynamic experience for all ages. We are on-site, targeting opening in early 2027 and we very much look forward to becoming an important part of Cardiff’s leisure scene, creating a destination that people return to again and again.”
