The newly opened Game’s On Bowling has been “drawing big crowds” to the Bishop Auckland Retail and Leisure Park, offering visitors an arcade, VR, mini-golf, live music and a 150-capacity restaurant alongside its lanes.

Operated by Wann, the company behind the Little Sicily restaurant chain, Game’s On was officially opened by Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth, who praised the development as a “strong example of private investment working alongside local ambition.”

“Projects like this are putting Bishop Auckland firmly back on the map as a great place to live and raise a family, which is vital as we seek to attract businesses to the area,” said Rushworth.

Game’s On is one of 20 founder businesses opening in the new £54m leisure park, with a seven-screen cinema due to arrive in March 2026, while a £46m second phase of development is currently being considered by planners.

“There’s a sense of excitement in the town,” councillor Rob Yorke told the Northern Echo “The new bowling, cinema and other leisure facilities at Bishop Auckland Retail and Leisure Park coupled with the new £24m swimming pool and leisure centre currently being built are fantastic. These developments show real confidence in the town.”