Global entertainment concept Prison Island has chosen Leeds for its first venue in the North of England, securing an 11,000 sq ft space across two floors at the Merrion Centre.
Occupying a unit on Merrion Street within the city’s Arena Quarter, the new multi-activity venue will create 18 full and part-time jobs. Leeds marks the fourth UK location for the brand – joining Belfast, Maidstone, and Camden – and expands an international network of more than 110 venues worldwide.
At the core of the experience is Prison Island, an immersive team challenge where groups of up to five tackle a series of themed cells designed to test physical skill, logic, and teamwork. Unlike traditional escape rooms, players can move between various challenges freely, allowing for a unique experience on every visit. The Leeds venue will also offer additional competitive socialising options, including interactive darts and interactive golf.
The new location will be operated by the team behind the Belfast venue, which launched seven years ago.
“The Merrion Centre is a superb location and felt like a natural fit for Prison Island. It’s a busy, well-established leisure destination in the heart of Leeds, with excellent transport links and strong footfall from residents, students, workers and visitors to the city. We’re most looking forward to finally bringing the Prison Island experience to Leeds. We’ve seen how well the concept works in Belfast, particularly because it appeals to such a broad audience and every visit can be completely different.”
— Ryan Lyttle, Director of Prison Island Leeds
The addition strengthens the Merrion Centre’s expanding leisure and hospitality portfolio, catering to student groups, families, corporate events, and night-out celebrations.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Prison Island to the Merrion Centre. Its decision to launch its first venue in the North of England here in Leeds is a fantastic endorsement of the Merrion Centre as a destination for leisure and entertainment. The scale of the new venue, combined with the variety and interactive nature of the experiences on offer, will bring something genuinely different to our visitors.”
— Charles Newman, Asset Management Director at Town Centre Securities PLC
Prison Island Leeds is expected to open in time for Christmas, with further launch details and booking information set to be announced in due course.
