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There will be a new centre of gravity in Cardiff in 2027 as Gravity MAX are set to open a flagship Welsh venue at NewRiver’s The Capitol Centre as part of major leisure-led transformation, delivering on NewRiver’s turnaround strategy for the asset.
NewRiver has signed a major new lease with Gravity MAX at The Capitol Centre in Cardiff, marking a significant milestone in NewRiver’s transformation of the city centre destination, bringing one of the UK's most ambitious competitive socialising concepts to Wales for the first time.
Gravity MAX will occupy approximately 85,000 sq ft under a new 20-year lease, creating a flagship entertainment destination in the heart of Cardiff. Gravity MAX will pay a base rent of £870,000 pa, subject to five yearly index linked rent reviews and a turnover top-up rent which combined is estimated to provide NewRiver with an 11% yield on cost.
The letting represents a major step in NewRiver's strategy to reposition The Capitol as a vibrant day-to-night leisure and entertainment destination while supporting the wider regeneration of Cardiff city centre, delivering on NewRiver’s turnaround strategy for the asset.
Cardiff will be the brand’s fifth Gravity Max venue, its 21st site within its portfolio and one of the largest Gravity MAX destinations in the UK, joining successful locations including Westfield Stratford and Liverpool ONE. Visitors will enjoy a wide range of immersive and competitive socialising experiences, including multi-level electric go-karting, bowling, Lab Rat escape rooms, Heineken Sports Bar, 18-hole street golf, virtual reality experiences, Immersive Gamebox, interactive gaming, arcade attractions, food and beverage offers, live sport and entertainment.
NewRiver is investing £12 million into The Capitol Centre to deliver a comprehensive programme including fit-out works to facilitate Gravity Max, the creation of a new dedicated 24-hour entrance for The Gym and centre car park, additional restaurant space, upgraded car parking, and a bold new brand identity to create a vibrant retail and leisure destination with upgrades to the external elevations, together with contemporary new design and signage.
The project aligns with wider investment underway in Cardiff city centre, including improvements to the nearby canal quarter and public realm, helping establish a vibrant new leisure district within the Welsh capital. The transformation will reinforce The Capitol's role as a landmark city-centre destination while honouring its rich heritage, on the site of the former Capitol Theatre, famously associated with The Beatles' final UK tour.
Works are already underway following planning approval, with Gravity MAX expected to open in early 2027. The project is anticipated to create around 100 new jobs and further strengthen Cardiff's growing leisure, hospitality and visitor economy.
Allan Lockhart, CEO at NewRiver, commented: “The signing of Gravity MAX is a landmark moment for The Capitol, securing a significant long-term letting that will create one of Cardiff's leading leisure and entertainment destinations. This agreement represents the successful delivery of our turnaround strategy for the centre, transforming it into a more relevant and vibrant destination for today's consumers. Importantly, it demonstrates our ability to unlock value through active asset management and generate attractive returns on investment for our shareholders while creating stronger destinations for our customers and occupiers."
Michael Harrison, Co-founder of Gravity MAX said: “Gravity Max Cardiff marks our fifth and largest UK venue, and with state-of-the-art competitive socialising activities available, there really is ‘everything for everyone’ in this department store of fun. The combination of location, scale and NewRiver's vision for The Capitol makes this an incredibly exciting opportunity.
"This will be one of our largest and most ambitious venues to date, delivering a premium entertainment experience, attracting visitors, creating more jobs and offering a dynamic experience for all ages. We are on-site, targeting opening in early 2027 and we very much look forward to becoming an important part of Cardiff's leisure scene, creating a destination that people return to again and again."