Key Newcastle Leisure Investment Announced

Emporium Leisure Group are pleased to announce the acquisition of their first venue in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Further venues are planned for Alnwick and Morpeth, cementing our presence across North East England.

This deal has secured the future of a long-standing riverside property on Newcastle's busy Quayside that has been vacant for 20 years. 

The former nightclub known as Pravda, located on The Close, Newcastle, is located opposite three large hotels, Travelodge, Innside and The Copthorne, providing in excess of 1000 guest bedrooms, together with numerous Airbnb properties in the local area. The venue will boast a 100gb low latency Internet connection supporting Emporium's aim to build an elite esports team capable of taking on global teams worldwide, all based in Newcastle.

The property was marketed by Mark Convery of Sanderson Weatherall on behalf of a private owner. After being empty for so long, the building needs major refurbishment. Emporium Leisure Group have significant plans in place to fully refurbish and improve the venue to provide customers with a world-class esports and gaming experience, with associated food and drink offers while providing a hub for all things technology..

Mark Convery said “We are delighted to announce the successful completion of the former Pravda Bar, marking a major milestone for our client after the property stood vacant since 2009 despite multiple agencies previously being appointed. Securing an occupier for this prominent riverside location highlights our team’s persistence, market reach, and strategic approach. We wish the new occupier every success in their venture and look forward to seeing this iconic site brought back to life.“

Emporium Leisure Group were represented in the transaction by Emily Walker and Ellie Brown of Hindle Campbell law.

Ken Mosley of Emporium Leisure Group said “This represents a massive investment in esports infrastructure across North-East England as we build an elite eSports community. We acknowledge some operators are struggling in the current economic climate, but our agility and multi revenue approach will ensure our venues remain viable while providing world class systems and opportunities for high-end elite gaming.”

Emporium Leisure Group are planning a full catering kitchen, event space, full on and off alcohol sales, as well as the latest in gaming technology, available to the public and professional players alike. Our planned catering operation will also provide catering to other local independent operators as well as the wider public using a takeaway model. This approach will allow us to support other nearby operators creating a more sustainable nighttime economy in what has been called a 'Party City'.

  While the planned venue will focus on esports, it will also be capable of hosting tech events, tech product launches, music events and more, for up to 500 people. In addition, customers with tech issues can visit and get advice and support while enjoying the surroundings. The venue's planned operating hours will start at 8am, offering a breakfast range to early morning commuters, with a strong daytime offer of food, drink and refreshments until 11pm, with later opening at weekends. Emporium Leisure Group will also be partnering with an associated I.T. Support provider to offer onsite sales, support and service of computers and gaming tech. This will allow customers to enjoy comfortable surroundings, food and drink while their tech is repaired or serviced! This venue will become the North Easts premiere location for electronic gaming systems. Emporium Leisure Group's ambitions are supported by a range of proactive suppliers and vendors, many of whom are providing their latest gaming equipment to support this ambitious venue. Some details are available from our website at http://emporium.games, we are also documenting the build process on our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingAnEmporium. For more information, contact Ken Mosley at Emporium Leisure Group on 0330 321 3800.

If you have a commercial property to let, contact Mark Convery at Sanderson Weatherall on 0191 261 2681