The O2 has announced that Activate, an immersive and interactive gaming concept, will make its highly anticipated UK debut this winter. This launch coincides with a year of significant growth in The O2’s leisure offerings, which have seen record-breaking performance in 2024. New additions such as Padel Social Club and the upcoming Clip ‘n Climb are further bolstering The O2’s position as London’s leading leisure destination.
Brought to the UK by experiential group We Do Play, Activate will open a 10,000 sq. ft. facility near popular spots like Mamma Mia! The Party and TOCA Social. Known for blending physical activity with interactive technology, Activate provides dynamic game rooms where visitors engage in both physical and mental challenges. This new addition strengthens The O2’s day-to-night leisure experience, attracting a diverse range of visitors looking for unique entertainment options.
The decision to bring Activate to The O2 follows a year of remarkable growth for the venue’s leisure sector, with a 6.6% increase in like-for-like sales compared to 2023. This growth has been driven by the full leasing completion of the Entertainment District earlier in the year, along with innovative use of previously unused spaces. Among the latest developments, Clip ‘n Climb will open its 3,731 sq. ft. climbing centre next week, featuring 20 climbing challenges and a vertical drop slide. Meanwhile, Padel Social Club has already unveiled two outdoor courts, with plans to open five state-of-the-art courts by spring 2025.
Janine Constantin-Russell, Managing Director of the Entertainment District and Outlet Shopping at The O2, commented on the continued expansion: “Leisure has always been a core part of The O2’s offering, consistently delivering an unmatched experience that speaks volumes on how we resonate with operators and visitors alike. When we reached full leasing completion of the Entertainment District earlier this year, we didn’t want this to stop our momentum for growth, and our stellar performance highlights quite the opposite. Along with the openings of Padel Social Club and Clip ‘n Climb, Activate’s UK debut is another fantastic milestone for us, set to entice even more visitors to our iconic location as we continue to deliver the very best of leisure.”
Richard Beese, Co-Founder of We Do Play, shared his excitement for the launch: “When we started to plan Activate’s UK expansion, it was key that its first site was an iconic one, and a destination that really understands its visitors and acts as a real hub for leisure. We were the team behind bringing BOOM BATTLE BAR to The O2, and it has been a phenomenal location for us. The energy and atmosphere of the destination, combined with Activate’s thrilling, interactive game play, make this location the perfect fit for customers seeking the ultimate play experience.”
The addition of Activate is part of The O2’s ongoing commitment to expanding its leisure and dining offerings. Recently, American chicken concept Slim Chickens joined The O2’s extensive dining selection, while All Bar One relaunched its newly refurbished restaurant at the entrance to the venue, signalling continued support from long-standing tenants.
