Town centre’s recovery is new form of reality
AN exciting new immersive experience venture has opened in the Valley this summer.
Infinite Reality is one of the newest businesses helping to put a real buzz into Bacup town centre as it battles back from the pandemic.
Launched by 22-year-old Jordan Jackson at the start of last month, the Market Street arcade offers a whole range of different game play and immersive experiences to choose from, from bungee jumping, to rollercoasters to walking off a tall building.
Available for as little as half an hour - sessions are priced at £20.50 for an hour at weekends, with a 25 per cent weekday discount.
Former BRGS student Jordan is encouraging people of all ages to give the growing phenomenon a try, with his simple message that ‘you are never too old to enjoy yourself’.
And with a big part of the venue’s business model its party service, they are also going to make available group bookings for ‘social bubbles’.
“Virtual Reality is based on a reality that you’re not actually in, but gives you the impression you are there,” he said.
“It’s an experience that you cannot describe using words. It’s growing a lot, but VR is only just coming into places at the minute.
“A lot of VR arcades are popping up now. And as time’s moving forward places are looking to go into virtual offices, rather than being in actual offices.”
Jordan, who says surrounding businesses have been “incredibly supportive” of the arcade, was planning to open in February or March - until the pandemic struck.
He says they have made the venue ‘Covid conscious’, with hand sanitiser on entry and face masks available if desired, and floor markings to aid social distancing.
There are also snacks and drinks available, with people able to book sessions up to a limit of two hours, and up to three people allowed to use each headset per booking.
He added: “With the first month I think we had over 150 customers, and we’ve had amazing reviews.”