Global interactive action game opens in Leeds

Immersive competitive entertainment concept to
create 18 new jobs with 11,000 sq ft venue opening winter 2026

Leeds is set to welcome an exciting new addition to the city’s interactive gaming scene as Prison Island prepares to open its first venue in the North of England, at the Merrion Centre

The new multi-activity entertainment venue on Merrion Street will take 11,000 sq ft across two floors at the Centre and create 18 full and part-time jobs.

At the heart of the venue will be Prison Island, an immersive team challenge that sees players in teams of up to five tackle a series of themed cells designed to test physical ability, skill, teamwork and problem-solving. Unlike a traditional escape room, teams can take on a variety of challenges, creating a different experience with every visit.

The internationally established concept will also offer a range of additional competitive experiences, including interactive darts and interactive golf.

Leeds will join a global network of more than 110 Prison Island locations and will become the concept’s fourth venue in the UK and first venue in the North of England, joining existing locations in Belfast, Maidstone and Camden.

Prison Island Leeds will be operated by the team behind the hugely successful Belfast venue, which opened seven years ago and has established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s leading attractions. The Leeds opening forms part of the operator’s wider expansion into new regions across the UK and Ireland.

Ryan Lyttle, director of Prison Island Leeds, said: “The Merrion Centre is a superb location and felt like a natural fit for Prison Island. It’s a busy, well-established leisure destination in the heart of Leeds, with excellent transport links and strong footfall from residents, students, workers and visitors to the city.

“Being surrounded by other leisure, hospitality and entertainment operators also makes it an ideal location for a competitive socialising concept like ours.

“We’re most looking forward to finally bringing the Prison Island experience to Leeds. We’ve seen how well the concept works in Belfast, particularly because it appeals to such a broad audience and every visit can be completely different.

“With Prison Island alongside a range of additional activities, we’re excited to create a venue where people can come together, compete, have fun and discover something they haven’t experienced before.”

Suitable for groups of friends and families as well as celebrations, corporate events and team-building activities, the venue will further strengthen the Merrion Centre and wider Arena Quarter’s growing leisure and entertainment offer.

Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Prison Island to the Merrion Centre. Its decision to launch its first venue in the North of England here in Leeds is a fantastic endorsement of the Merrion Centre as a destination for leisure and entertainment.

“The scale of the new venue, combined with the variety and interactive nature of the experiences on offer, will bring something genuinely different to our visitors. It’s another exciting addition to the Centre and one we’re confident will prove popular with people living, working, studying and visiting the city.”

Prison Island Leeds is expected to be open in time for Christmas, with the team promising special plans to mark its arrival in the city, although details are being kept firmly under wraps for now.

Further information on the opening, including launch plans and social media channels, will be announced in due course.