Go-ahead for eSports gaming centre

Plans for an eSports gaming centre in Middlesbrough’s Captain Cook Square, as part of the location’s wider push to bring a leisure destination to the town, have been backed by the council.The Wired Lobby is behind the plans for the centre, which will take over the currently vacant Peacocks store.The attraction will include 50 gaming PCs alongside consoles, racing simulators and a gaming arena for competitions, with 100 seats for spectators and visitors.It will open late and serve food and drinks allowing it to act as a social hub with common seating areas.The green-lit scheme will capitalise on the global eSports market which is estimated to be worth about £2.89bn by 2025, and further reinforces plans to transform Captain Cook Square into a popular leisure space.The venue will join the recently approved bowling, indoor golf and go-karting space at the centre – designed to bring more footfall to the town.The council unanimously backed plans on Friday 11 March.