Space-age video attraction lands in Devonport
THE first immersive video dome of its kind in Europe will open in Plymouth in July – as part of the £7.6 million upgrade of Devonport’s historic Market Hall.
Visitors have been given a sneak peek into the world-class Immersive Dome at the Grade II listed building, and members of the public will be allowed in soon for test showings of movies on the breathtaking domed screen.
Developed by Real Ideas Organisation, in partnership with Plymouth City Council and the Institute of Digital Art and Technology at University of Plymouth, the Market Hall will create a new space for digital businesses, especially those working in immersive and creative applications of technology.
The Immersive Dome is the first of its type in Europe. The only other one like it in the world can be found at the Society for Arts and Technology in Montreal, Canada.
Needing just two projectors to cover the full surface of the dome, the technology at the Market Hall is cutting edge and creates a seamless shared virtual reality experience. The bespoke sound system, boasting 19 channels, encases the dome and adds to what is a truly immersive experience with the power to transport you anywhere in the universe – real or imagined – that you can dream of.
Real Ideas has partnered with specialists at full dome company Gaia Nova, who have designed and installed the technology, and has already licensed stunning movie content from NSC Creative, in Leicester, including videos of space exploration.
Real Ideas is already in talks with other producers and also hopes the coworking element of the Market Hall revamp will attract and enthuse other digital movie makers, who will use the facilities to produce films which can be watched on the dome and others like it worldwide.
Lindsey Hall, chief executive of Real Ideas, said: “The Market Hall really is a game-changer. It puts Plymouth on the map internationally and it offers incredible experiences and opportunities to people living and growing up in Devonport and the wider city.
“It is without a doubt our most audacious project to date. Not only have we breathed new life into another incredible listed building, but we’ve also brought it into the 21st century. It is immediately relevant and offers untold opportunity as a place for research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration, and, last but not least, a place to come and have fun.
“I cannot wait to open the doors and let people experience for themselves the magic and wonder of the Market Hall and its Immersive Dome.”
Alongside cultural experiences and immersive opportunities in the dome, the Market Hall will offer a creative and collaborative workspace, learning, workshops, meeting rooms, event spaces, a production suite and a café/bar.
The Market Hall joins the growing Real Ideas campus of spaces, including Ocean Studios and Devonport Guildhall in Plymouth, and CSpace in Newquay.