Immersive experience promised as electric drift karting comes to city centre
The first city electric drift karting indoor experience, Drift Stop, is set to launch at the Merrion Centre in the Leeds Arena Quarter.
Leeds-based property investor and car parking operator, Town Centre Securities (TCS), has signed its latest tenant, Drift Stop at 16-18 Merrion Centre, creating 12 jobs.
The brainchild of owner/director Andreas Aristotelous who built drift cars for his two young sons to enjoy during the Covid lockdown, the adventure is not to be confused with regular go karts as these drift on an indoor, purpose-built e-drift track.
Drift Stop has agreed terms on 7,308 sq ft of space at the Merrion Centre with the track on the ground floor and a workshop and repair station on the first floor.
The Leeds venue will incorporate arcade games offering a mix of classic and modern options. It will also offer on site food and drinks.
Private parties and corporate events will be available and there will be over 20 customised e-drift karts, with options for budding e-karters to buy their own karts which can be personalised.
Charles Newman, associate director at TCS, said: “We are pleased to bring this exciting urban karting adventure to the city of Leeds.
“Drift Stop will add something unique to our entertainment offer at the Merrion Centre and I’m sure it will appeal to both novices and experienced karters alike.
“It promises to be a fun, adrenaline pumping experience for the whole family to enjoy and it’s great to support a young business with ambitions to open more tracks across the UK.”
Aristotelous added: “I am thrilled that the Drift Stop vision to deliver a fun and affordable, fully immersive, audio, visual, sports & gaming entertainment venue in the heart of Leeds is now becoming a reality.
“One of the best graffiti artists in the business, Andy Parle has transformed the space with huge art installations that are set to assault the senses as guests drift around the track.
“We are confident the unique karting experience, combined with nostalgic tech and gameplay, will prove popular with all ages and be a fantastic addition to the city’s Arena Quarter.”
