New immersive creative hub throws open doors for the first time in Plymouth

16 Jul 2021 01:42 PM

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of the Arts Council yesterday cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the Market Hall in Devonport, Plymouth – a new creative space that will open to the public this weekend, and puts the south west even more firmly on the global map as a leader in immersive creative technology.

The Grade II listed building has undergone an extensive and cutting-edge capital renovation led by the team at Real Ideas. The building comprises of a 360 immersive dome, the first of its kind in Europe, as well as dynamic co-working spaces, a production suite, events space and a café. There is something for everyone – from locals seeking a coffee and an unusual experience, students working at the forefront of digital innovation, to businesses who are looking for dynamic ways of working post-pandemic.

Untold opportunity as a place for jobs, research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration, economic development and secondary economic benefits too.

Real Ideas support young people to develop skills and opportunities, and they provide mentoring and support to enterprises and start-ups to help them thrive across Devon and Cornwall. This ethos and desire for lasting social change permeates through the Market Hall too. With opening weekend tickets selling out in just 24 hours, there is clearly much local pride in this new hub. As restrictions ease more and more over the coming months, it really will be the new place to work, learn, meet, eat, create… and have fun in Plymouth!

The spectacular dome measures 15m diameter, 210 degrees over the top, with a flat floor and will have a VR and AR cultural programme. The only other like it in the world can be found at SAT in Montreal, Canada – so we expect cultural experience hunters to come from far and wide, giving the local economy a boost with tourism too.

Click here for the full press release