A "cutting-edge" gaming paradise has opened up in Middlesbrough, aiming to transform the town centre into a leading leisure destination. 

The Wired Lobby, in Captain Cook Square, is Middlesbrough’s first e-sports venue and builds on the town’s growing reputation as a "digital hotspot".

Visitors to The Wired Lobby – whether novices or gaming experts – can enjoy state-of-the-art PCs, the latest consoles and an impressive, full-size car racing simulator.

The Mayor of Middlesbrough Chris Cooke, himself an avid gamer, attended a launch event before the venue officially opened this week.

The venue also features an arena to host live events and esports tournaments which will pit competitive gaming teams against one another on a raised stage, while it has a full bar and offers a range of membership options.

A spokesman for The Wired Lobby said: “We cater to every gamer's dream to go beyond the traditional gaming experience with a fleet of high-performance PCs, the latest generation gaming consoles and cutting-edge racing simulators.

“Middlesbrough is the perfect location for The Wired Lobby and whether you’re new to gaming or a seasoned pro, we can’t wait to welcome you.”

Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Middlesbrough has a thriving digital sector. We are home to world-beating digital firms - including highly recognised video game producers - and at Teesside University, we produce the industry leaders of tomorrow.

“I’m delighted that The Wired Lobby has opened and wish it every success. New businesses like this one are key to attracting more and more people into our town centre.”

Middlesbrough Council is spearheading multi-million-pound plans for Captain Cook Square after it was successful in securing £14.1m in funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, which in part is helping to repurpose the square and attract a host of leisure and entertainment venues.

Earlier this year, Level X became the first exciting new firm to open in the square, bringing innovative electric karting, bowling, electronic mini-golf and Virtual Reality gaming to Middlesbrough.

Next year, new restaurant Bazaar – from the owner of the acclaimed The Oven restaurant on Linthorpe Road – will open across the square from The Wired Lobby, while a boutique cinema and more food and drink outlets are planned for other vacant units.

The development is part of the council’s attempts to rebalance the town centre economy by focusing on leisure, education and housing alongside traditional retail.

The plan is to get more people living, working, learning and playing in the town centre.