DDC town centre grant helps gaming entrepreneur start new business
When Game decided not to renew the lease on its Biggin Street store in Dover, former employee, James Pearce, seized the opportunity and, thanks to a £1,000 town centre business grant from Dover District Council, has taken on the lease of the building and opened his own digital gaming business, Gamebase.
As well as selling computer and digital games, James has redeveloped the store to include a gaming arena, where gamers can play their favourite new and classic games. The venue will offer competitions and parties with refreshments also on sale.
At the moment the nearest facility like this is in Medway and lots of people from this area travel there so the aim is to bring the more local gamers to Dover instead. The new store and gaming arena officially opened on Monday, 17 June.
James Pearce said: “We’re delighted to bring something different to Dover in what is a combined game store and gaming arena for all ages. We strive to create a new social environment with pay-per-play, birthday parties, private hire, competitions and league events. It’s something different in the town centre to help its wider regeneration.”
Cllr Keith Morris, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “It’s great to see continued new investment and growing confidence in Dover town centre. We’re delighted to support James through our town centre grants programme and we wish the team at Gamebase well with the new venture.”
Posted on 18 June 2019