Retro arcade opens in Barrow town centre

A new retro arcade has opened on Dalton Road, offering free to play gaming machines, classic consoles and more for visitors to enjoy.

‘Heart of Barrow’, at 93 Dalton Road, has opened its doors as Barrow BID trials new town centre activities, aiming to attract a younger audience and boost footfall. Offering classics like Pac-Man, Mario Kart and Guitar Hero Live, the space provides opportunities for both solo players and groups to come together and enjoy gaming.

Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm, visitors can enjoy the arcade completely free of charge.

This new arcade is a partnership between Barrow BID and Level Up Gaming, bringing something new and unique to the town centre. By transforming what would otherwise have been a vacant unit, the space has been reimagined as a vibrant hub of entertainment, drawing in visitors with a mix of nostalgic retro games. This new initiative from Barrow BID highlights the potential of underused spaces and vacant units to house creative and innovative attractions, as how people use the high street is changing.

Supported by Barrow Rising as part of the Heart of Barrow programme, Barrow BID hopes the space will be used by visitors to the town centre and encourage them to spend longer as they shop, eat and play. 

Scott Geldart, director of Level Up Gaming, said “The gaming room has created a welcoming space in Barrow that helps tackle social isolation. We've added games and equipment to bring people together, connect, build friendships, and feel part of something positive in the community."

The arcade is now open, ready to welcome gamers of all ages to the town centre.