Chris Bliss, Co-Founder and Director at The Momentum Group said “There is a recognition that the retail landscape is changing and the shift in the high street to meet the demand for leisure experiences and pursuits is increasing. We are thrilled to have been appointed to deliver this project. It is the first concept with more to follow and we look forward to showcasing our services and partnership working with the team at Mellors Group.”

Speaking for Steven Hunt Associates, Steve Hunt, the Managing Director said, “We have worked with The Momentum Group on several fit-out projects in Liverpool, however this is our first together in Manchester’s Arndale. The changing landscape of high streets and growing demand for consumer-experience led leisure presents a great opportunity for our industry and we are excited to be involved in what is going to be a hugely successful attraction in Manchester.”

Urban Playground, in partnership with Objective Media Group has launched THE CUBE LIVE at Manchester Arndale, the world’s first retail format of the highly successful ITV entertainment show, ‘THE CUBE’. Designed by renowned international architects Baranowitz + Kronenberg (B+K), has applied their aptitude in spatial design and human experience, to create a world of exploration that sparks play and social interaction. The venue will formally open to the public on 10 February 2022.

The entertainment venue, opening later this month, will offer fans of the award-winning TV show, where contestants attempt seemingly simple tasks within the high-pressure confines of the iconic Perspex box, the opportunity to experience THE CUBE in person for the first time. THE CUBE LIVE chooses seven iconic games that feature on the original TV series.

Accompanying THE CUBE LIVE – across two-storeys of the centre – is Putters; a state-of-the-art Tech-Infused crazy golf extravaganza with unique technology delivering the best three themed nine-hole challenge putting experience in the world.

Urban Playground will also be home to the first UK outlet of award-winning food franchise, THE BUTCHER. Created by Yossi Eliyahoo of THE ENTOURAGE GROUP, the burger bar concept is already found in several international locations including Amsterdam, Berlin and Ibiza.

Director of Urban Playground, Edward Mellors, said: “With the collapse of Arcadia Group and large retail and experiential spaces being left vacant, Mellors Group are thrilled to launch Urban Playground in its place at Manchester Arndale. THE CUBE LIVE is the first of its kind along with a state-of-the-art Tech-Infused Mini-Golf, Putters and food franchise, THE BUTCHER. We hope this is the first of many Urban Playground attractions to be produced across the UK and cannot wait for doors to open to the public for the very first time.”

“We’ve been looking for suitable sites for a long time with Box Property. After all the effort we’ve put in together it’s great to be launching the first Urban Playground site in Manchester Arndale. We are also in advanced discussions for further sites for 2022 and actively looking for locations across the UK and US over the next 5 years in a ground-breaking roll out to save our highstreets. A second venue of 130,000 sq. ft. has already been secured for development.”