Funparx, Imagine That! follow STACK into Wigan’s Grand Arcade

EEH Ventures has let 150,000 sq ft to the operators within the shopping complex’s former Debenhams and M&S stores, as the shift from retail to leisure takes hold.

The deals follow a 48,000 sq ft letting to food and entertainment operator STACK, which aims to open within part of Grand Arcade’s former Debenhams before the end of the year, and mark the asset’s decisive move away from being a pure retail play to a mixed-use venue with a significant leisure offer.

Funparx, an all-ages entertainment complex featuring go-karts, climbing walls, and interactive games, has chosen Grand Arcade for its second Wigan venue. Funparx will occupy 48,000 sq ft of the former Debenhams, alongside neighbour STACK.

Adrian Griffin, director at Funparx, said: “Opening our tenth location is a huge milestone for us, and we’re delighted to continue investing in Wigan with our second venue in the town.

“We’ve created an adventure destination that truly has something for everyone, from toddlers taking their first steps into play to adults who want to unleash their inner child.”

Funparx can also be found in Edinburgh, Dundee, Basildon and Cardiff.

Grand Arcade’s former M&S also has a new tenant, with Imagine That!, a children’s science and discovery centre, signed up to operate across the 45,000 sq ft building’s three floors.

Imagine That!’s original venue is in Liverpool.

Mike Matthews, centre manager at Grand Arcade, said: “We’re really pleased to be bringing this exciting new leisure destination to Grand Arcade.

“Together, STACK, Funparx and Imagine That! add a completely new dimension to the centre, complementing our existing retail offer and creating more reasons for people to spend time in the town centre throughout the day and into the evening.”

Will Ashdown, asset manager at Cited Property, said: “STACK, Funparx and Imagine That! mark a significant step forward for Grand Arcade.

“These lettings bring a genuinely new leisure and family offer to the centre, and reflect our ongoing investment in reshaping the scheme to meet what shoppers and visitors to Wigan town centre want today.”

Cited Property and Metis are joint leasing agents on the scheme.