A NEW interactive games bar boasting mini golf and darts has opened its doors in Basildon’s Eastgate.
Glow Sports Zone was opened in the shopping centre yesterday morning by Youtube content creator Charlie Davis, who hopes to boost the town centre’s “overlooked” nightlife.
Around £300,000 has been spent on the venue which now features nine brightly decorated mini-golf holes, crazy pool, a darts room and a bar.
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The 23-year-old influencer has almost one million subscribers on Youtube and hopes the new entertainment experience he is offering, as well as the growing popularity of similar venues such as Boom Battle Bar, can help Basildon grow into a regional nightlife destination.
He said: “I know that Basildon Council is trying to build out their night time economy, and we’re allowed to stay open until 11 o’clock in the evening.
“We’re hoping to be a major cog in that night time economy in Basildon.”
Basildon Council has outlined the development of the town’s night time economy as a key part of its vision for regenerating the town.
In October, Labour leader, Gavin Callaghan said he wanted the town to become “the place people come to for a thriving night time economy”.
In addition to helping boost Basildon’s nightlife, Charlie also believes Glow Sports Zone has the potential to appeal to a range of age groups, and hopes he can eventually grow the venue into a successful national entertainment brand.
“Although we’re very pleased to have an alcohol license, we’re also hoping to attract visitors from all age groups,” said Charlie.
“We’d be a great choice for families, a couple on a date or a big group of mates. I think there is universal appeal.”
Charlie runs JetHouse which he claims is the largest “creator house” company in the UK, and boasts content creating houses in the UK, Spain and Dubai, with plans in the pipeline to set another up in Saudi Arabia.
Creator houses are residences where influencers collaborate, and often live with another, to produce content.
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