A darts venue is taking over premises on a well-known city shopping street following council approval.
The national chain Flight Club will establish a new location on Bridlesmith Gate.
The establishment will provide an interactive darts experience accommodating as many as 12 participants simultaneously, alongside dining options and beverages purchasable throughout gameplay.
The empty space was previously home to fashion label Ted Baker, which ceased operations in April 2024 following the company’s administration.
Flight Club, operated by Red Engine, had previously sought to occupy the former Flannels premises, which has remained vacant since the luxury retailer relocated to nearby Lister Gate in September 2023.
However, just weeks after filing the proposals in November the previous year, the company withdrew its planning application from the city council – yet indicated it remained interested in securing another site within the city.
Approval for the former Ted Baker location was issued on April 28.
Bridlesmith Gate experienced difficulties following the collapse of retail centre company intu and the abandonment of its plans for the former Broadmarsh Centre in 2020.
City developer Arran Bailey of ALB Group previously acquired 14 buildings along Bridlesmith Gate and Byard Lane, along with seven additional properties on Lister Gate, as part of broader efforts to revitalize the historic area situated within the Market Square conservation zone.
Bailey expressed his ambition to develop Nottingham’s equivalent of Carnaby Street, the renowned shopping destination in London’s Soho district.
Various independent businesses now operate in the vicinity, and several structures are being transformed into residential units to support continued renewal.
The street received further enhancement through creative group Carousel, which coordinated local artists to decorate building exteriors with murals, establishing a more colorful approach to the city centre.
In late March, planners also gave the green light for Watches of Switzerland Group, a major luxury watch retailer, to open a Goldsmiths outlet on the street.
Proposals detailed that an existing empty unit would undergo “refurbishment to create a Goldsmiths hybrid concept store for Watches of Switzerland Group.”
The premises, positioned at the street’s corner across from The Ivy and Bravissimo, was most recently occupied by travel company Kuoni, which has relocated to occupy part of the second floor at John Lewis in the Victoria Centre.
Vintage retailer Glass Onion and The Ivy rank among the street’s more recent arrivals.
As noted on its website, Flight Club originated from an idea conceived by two companions at a pub in Devon.
Electronic systems virtually record scores as participants throw their darts, while meals may be ordered digitally during play.
The inaugural location launched in Shoreditch in 2015.