Kier has been selected to build a new £7.2 million centre for immersive technologies in Devonport, Plymouth.
The facility, which will feature Europe's first 360 degree cinema, will be built in Devonport and construction is scheduled to start this spring.
Real Ideals Organisation (RIO) have chosen Kier as the preferred bidder for the development, which involves extending/transforming the grade II listed Market Hall into a centre for research, enterprise, education and culture in new technologies including VR, AR and mixed reality.
An exhibition centre with a dome shaped virtual reality cinema will be built in the 820sq m extension. The structure, which is 15 metres in diameter, will allow 150 visitors to share a cinematic virtual reality experience together including sports matches, concerts and films.
Other features include building 280sq m of co-working, research and experimentation space for new and expanding businesses working in virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and immersive manufacturing at the Market Hall. A cultural, corporate events space will also be developed with seating for up to 350 people and an expo capacity of 600, including multiple adjoining breakout spaces and a destination restaurant and bar.
RIO is leading the Market Hall development in partnership with Plymouth City Council i-DAT at the University of Plymouth, City College, Plymouth and Devonport High School for Boys. Completion is scheduled for late 2019, when the facility will open to the public.
Anthony Irving, Managing Director of Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: "This innovative cinema experience at Market Hall is the first of its kind in Europe and we are thrilled to play a part in making Plymouth a national leader in digital innovation.
"Adding to Kier's expertise in the arts and leisure sector which includes the refurbishment of the Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Art, the Market Hall will be a real asset and focal point for the community. Alongside Beckley Point, the tallest building in the city, which we completed at the start of this year, the Market Hall will reshape Plymouth's skyline and create another destination point for this thriving city."
Lindsey Hall, Chief Executive of RIO said: "We're delighted to be working with Kier to turn our vision for the Market Hall into a reality.
"The expertise of the Kier team, having handled other high profile cultural developments, will play a key role in creating a truly world-class centre for immersive technologies, with an iconic cinematic VR experience.
"We're looking forward to breaking ground in the coming weeks and getting this incredibly exciting landmark project underway."
(LM)
Construction News
08/03/2018
Kier To Build New £7.2m Devonport Immersive Tech Centre


13/06/2025
A vital piece of Peak District railway infrastructure is set to receive a major upgrade this summer, as Network Rail announces a £7.5 million investment into one of Chapel Milton's iconic twin Victorian viaducts.
The 160-year-old, 15-arch structure plays a critical role in the UK's freight network,

13/06/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has revealed plans to expand its operations in South Yorkshire, building on its strong delivery record in West Yorkshire and aligning with the goals of the newly launched Great North initiative.
Backed by northern regional mayors, the Great North initiative aims to unloc

13/06/2025
Construction has officially commenced on the new Children's Cancer Centre (CCC) at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH).
Led by long-term design partner BDP, the new centre is one of the most ambitious projects in GOSH's history. The firm is overseeing architecture, landscape, engineeri

13/06/2025
The developer behind the Redworthy Orchard scheme in Yatton has handed over the first homes to a local housing association as part of a wider plan to provide affordable housing in the area.
Persimmon Homes Severn Valley has transferred four new properties to Alliance Homes, a move set to ease press

13/06/2025
Wynne Construction has been awarded two major design and build contracts worth over £20 million by Adra to deliver nearly 100 new social homes across North Wales.
Construction is already underway at the first site on Berse Road, Wrexham, where Wynne began work in March on a £9 million, 47-home soci

13/06/2025
Great Places Housing Group has officially broken ground on its landmark £37 million LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range, marking the start of construction during Pride Month.
The scheme, hailed as the UK's first purpose-built Extra Care development of its kind, is being deliv

13/06/2025
Henry Boot PLC has announced that its property investment and development arm, HBD, has completed the sale of TWO45, a multi-let industrial-led business park in Skelmersdale, to a European real estate developer for £9.5 million.
Located on a 10-acre site just minutes from the M58 and M6 motorways,

13/06/2025
Clowes Developments has announced the successful letting of Unit 5A, a newly completed 27,000 sq ft industrial unit at Stud Brook Business Park, to Shawpak Ltd, a pioneering manufacturer of medical device packaging machinery.
Founded in Derby in 2013, Shawpak Ltd designs and produces a unique range

13/06/2025
The Hill Group and Legal & General (L&G) have announced a new partnership to deliver 200 affordable homes as part of the first phase of the £450 million City Centre South regeneration scheme in Coventry.
This marks the first time the two organisations have collaborated on a major residential devel

13/06/2025
The historic South Crofty tin mining project in Pool, Cornwall, is set to receive a significant boost after being awarded £4,190,500 through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, marking the largest single private sector investment by the programme to date.
Delivered by Cornwall C