UK attractions shut down by virtual reality group

A virtual reality attraction provider has shut down its UK operations in Birmingham and Leeds.

The Park Playground has closed its two UK venues in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace and Leeds’ Falcon House in Burley, focusing on its European operations.

With 11 venues across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal, The Park Playground partners with leisure operators such as Center Parcs to deliver virtual reality technology.

Sam Custers, COO told TheBusinessDesk.com that the group is working with UK partners to bring its experiences to Britain again.

Five staff have been axed with the UK closures.

Custers said: “Our focus and our commitment going forward will be continuing to deliver high-quality experiences through partnerships. The successful roll out of our VR technology with existing leisure operators like Center Parcs Park Hochsauerland in Germany, and with franchisees like the new facility in Matosinhos, Porto, shows the growing demand for interactive group VR experiences and demonstrates the power of partnering local market knowledge with high-quality entertainment offerings.

“We’re excited about the upcoming opportunities we have to grow our business in those areas and we’re working closely with leisure operators and partners in the UK to continue to deliver our experiences to the region.

“With these closures, that did also unfortunately mean that local staff operating the venues had to be let go, which is always the most difficult part of any facility closure. I want to sincerely thank everyone who made these facilities possible and wish them all the best.”