Gravity launches debut concept at Southside Wandsworth

Landsec and Invesco Real Estate have announced the launch of Gravity Active Entertainment (“Gravity”), the dynamic leisure and entertainment company, within an 80,000 sq ft venue at Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth, London. 

Joining 16 sites in the UK and a franchise in the Middle East, Gravity Southside offers the first all-electric, multi-level go kart track in a UK high-street environment, and a first-of-its-kind bowling alley in the UK, with a choice of projected gaming images onto the alley to provide a wholly interactive experience. 

The new site will see further evolution of Gravity’s highly successful core offering of trampoline parks, with the incorporation of a 10-hole crazy golf experience, Japanese noodle restaurant, dedicated e-sports centre, and old-fashioned pub games. Gravity Southside will be family focused during the day, with live music and a high-end cocktail bar designed to attract a younger crowd from the evening through to closing time, offering an interactive experience for all.  

Southside’s joint owners, Landsec and Invesco Real Estate, have partnered with Gravity to redevelop the former Debenhams, as part of their strategy to redefine the destination’s offer and support the introduction of new and innovative concepts.

Harvey Jenkinson, co-Founder and CEO at Gravity, commented: “Wandsworth signals a new chapter for Gravity, as our biggest opening yet. Gravity is only 6 years old and we are pushing the boundaries of leisure entertainment in the UK with a model that is also commercially successful. We are using new technology to create immersive experiences in strategically important locations in the centre of towns and cities that will attract new customers, increase footfall for landlords and breathe life back into the high street, replacing traditional shopping with fun and entertainment. We want to be the UK’s leading leisure group for our customers, and for our partners, both our franchise partners and landlords.”

David Heaford, Managing Director, Development, at Landsec, said: “Gravity has brought a collection of innovative and engaging concepts to Southside, and we’re excited for our guests to experience it all in action. This is a great example of our strategy across our destinations, considering all the possibilities for a space and delivering something the community will value most. Whether it’s Gravity at Southside, Hangloose at Bluewater, or M&S at White Rose, Landsec is redefining the role of its places, supporting brand partners and creating something engaging and exciting for our guests.”

Ed Ginn, Director, Asset Management at Invesco Real Estate, added: “We are delighted to have seen this project through from conception to launch at Southside. Gravity is able to use this new site as a model for reinvigorating retail in the UK and abroad, so of course it is a huge compliment to Southside that it’s happening here first. The opening of GravitySouthside not only meets the growing consumer demand for interactive leisure, but also creates a strong draw for people who are looking for reasons to return to city and town centres, bringing vibrancy and excitement to Wandsworth.”

Southside is home to some of the biggest names in fashion and retail, with popular food and drink brands, and a strong line-up of leisure operators including Wagamama, H&M, Primark, Waitrose and Cineworld. 

Time Retail Partners and Colliers advise on the F&B and leisure for Landsec and Invesco Real Estate at Southside. Savills represented Gravity. 

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