Level Up in Warrington is to relocate out of the town centre, after high rents and sustained levels of anti-social behaviour made running the two-storey entertainment centre and arcade on Buttermarket Street an impossibility.

Warrington entertainment venue Level Up has announced it is to relocate from its home in the town centre after just one year, citing “crazy” rents, anti-social behaviour, and access difficulties that have made sustaining a successful business impossible.

First opened in September 2023, the two-storey Buttermarket Street site features axe-throwing, mini golf and archery, as well as an arcade and VR arena, however owners Phillip and Michael Knight confirmed the decision to move this week.

“It is something we have thought about doing before, but because of the work and effort put into this building, we decided to give it as much chance as possible to succeed here,” said the Knights. “We have commitments we have booked throughout December, so we will be staying open here until 31 December. All bookings will be fine, so no need to worry.”

“It has been a great two years inside 3a Buttermarket Street, a building that was empty for a number of years before we took over the space. There have been so many good memories that we will have forever, and we cannot thank everyone enough who has been in and enjoyed their time with us.”

Stating that there are “many reasons that we have decided to move – too many to list,” the brothers said “the main reason is that town centre rent is crazy. Think of a number that you think the rent would be and double it at least.”

The location on the upper floors of the Buttermarket Street premises has also proved difficult, imposing limits on bringing stock and materials into the venue, as well as posing challenges for older customers and people with disabilities.

The Knights also added that the layout and location of the new site will help mitigate anti-social behaviour, which had seriously impacted business over the past year.

“In the town centre, there are groups of kids, not the nice ones, who come inside and run riot, causing damage, stealing equipment and setting off fire extinguishers. In our new premises, you will need to pass reception to get inside, so this will not be possible.”

After 31 December, Level Up will relocate to the yet-to-be-announced new premises, and look to reopen before Easter 2025.