May 15, 2019 – Cineplex has today announced plans to open a new location of The Rec Room in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Spanning approximately 45,000 square feet over three floors and a rooftop patio, the complex will provide the city with a new spot for dining, live entertainment, amusement gaming experiences and feature attractions, all in one location. Construction of The Rec Room Granville is scheduled to begin next year, with a target opening of late-2021.
Cineplex formed a strategic commercial partnership with VRstudios in September last year. Today’s announcement is part of this partnership, which will see Cineplex open approximately 30-40 of its Rec Room locations across its theatre and LBE networks in Canada by the end of 2021.
“We could not be more excited to bring The Rec Room to Vancouver’s lively Granville Entertainment District and introduce residents, visitors and tourists to a unique new social playground where they can eat, drink and play,” said Ellis Jacob, President and CEO, Cineplex. “In addition to the location opening soon at Brentwood Town Centre, The Rec Room Granville will be the perfect destination for everyone – from young adults to those who are young at heart – and the ultimate gathering spot for corporate events and parties.”
Located at 855 Granville Street in the heart of downtown, Vancouver, The Rec Room will see approximately half of the space devoted for dining and live entertainment and the other half devoted to amusement games and feature attractions.
As well as featuring immersive virtual reality experiences, The Rec Room will also include multiple dining options, a rooftop patio, bars, spaces for private events and corporate meetings, over 100 amusement games, bowling, a performance space for live acts, and will implement the use of RFID wristbands for prize redemption.
“The addition of The Rec Room will act as a major catalyst to the resurgence of Granville’s Entertainment District,” said Mario Negris, Executive Vice President, CBRE Limited. “The concept will bring great vibrancy and animation to the street and its appeal to families, tourists and corporate groups will only serve to enhance the already active energy of Vancouver’s premier social scene. Acting on behalf of the landlord, CBRE’s Urban Properties Group is thrilled to have participated in this landmark transaction.”
New locations of The Rec Room range in size from 30,000-50,000 square feet, and as is the case with the Vancouver complex, Cineplex will be allocating approximately half of the space to dining and live entertainment and the other half devoted to amusement games and feature attractions. The Company currently operates seven other locations of The Rec Room in South Edmonton (AB), West Edmonton Mall (AB), Calgary (AB), Toronto (ON), London (ON), Mississauga (ON) and St. John’s (NFLD), with locations opening soon in Burnaby (BC), Winnipeg (MB) and Barrie (ON). Cineplex also has plans to open 10-15 ‘Playdium’ locations – an entertainment complex designed for teens, their friends and family – in mid-sized communities across the country over the coming years.
Image credit: The Rec Room/Cineplex/Pixabay
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.