New Free Retro Arcade Opens in Barrow Town Centre
A new retro gaming arcade has opened in Barrow town centre, offering free-to-play games, classic consoles and a new social space for local residents.
The arcade, called Heart of Barrow, is based at 93 Dalton Road. It has opened as part of a town centre trial led by Barrow BID, in partnership with Level Up Gaming. The project is also supported by Barrow Rising through the wider Heart of Barrow programme.
The space is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm. Visitors can play a range of retro games without charge, including well-known titles such as Pac-Man, Mario Kart and Guitar Hero Live.
A New Use for an Empty Town Centre Unit
The arcade has been created inside a former vacant unit on Dalton Road. The aim is to bring more activity into Barrow town centre and encourage people to spend longer in the area.
Barrow BID hopes the space will help attract younger visitors, families, groups of friends and people looking for something different to do while in town.
The project also shows how empty high street units can be reused in creative ways. As shopping habits change, town centres are increasingly looking at leisure, community and entertainment uses to bring people back.
More Than Just Gaming
Although the arcade is built around retro games, the project also has a wider community aim.
The space has been designed to give people somewhere welcoming to meet, play and spend time together. Scott Geldart, director of Level Up Gaming, said the gaming room helps tackle social isolation by creating a place where people can connect, build friendships and feel part of something positive.
This makes the arcade different from a standard commercial gaming venue. It is not only about machines and consoles, but also about creating a friendly space in the heart of Barrow.
Boosting Footfall in Barrow
The arcade is part of wider efforts to bring more people into Barrow town centre. By giving visitors another reason to come into Dalton Road, the project could also support nearby shops, cafes and other local businesses.
Free activities can play an important role in making high streets more accessible. They give people a reason to visit without needing to spend money straight away.
For families, young people and retro gaming fans, the arcade adds something new to the town centre offer.
A Trial With Future Potential
The Heart of Barrow arcade is currently being run as a trial. Its success will likely depend on how many people use the space and whether it helps support wider town centre activity.
If the project proves popular, it could show how similar empty units might be used in the future.
For now, the new arcade gives Barrow a free, social and nostalgic attraction in the town centre, with classic games and a strong focus on community.
