First Leisure strikes up a deal with RIBA

THE Royal Institute of British Architects has joined forces with First Leisure Corporation to stage a competition inviting architects, designers and students to design a family entertainment centre for the 21st century.

First Leisure is seeking ideas and concepts to put ten-pin bowling in a new context. “We want to see what is in the marketplace in the young British design industry and find innovation and creativity to take our brand forward,” said First Leisure marketing director Paul Lillicrap.

Twenty entries were due to be judged as Design Week went to press, by a panel chaired by Branson Coates Architecture founder Nigel Coates.

First Leisure will use the winning idea if it is approved by the board of directors. “Approval will be subject to practicality,” says Lillicrap.