Gold Coast tourism attractions: Virtual reality centre planned for Southport site

A former boat warehouse will be transformed into a hi-tech virtual reality tourist attraction under newly unveiled plans.

A NEW virtual reality attraction has been unveiled in a most unexpected spot.

A former boat sales warehouse on Southport’s Smith Street will be transformed into the new VR centre.

Put forward by developer Ultimate Virtual Reality, it will include a 222 sqm arena, with eight players allowed at any time and up to 24 patrons.

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Virtual reality has changed a lot since the 1990s.

“The virtual reality experience offered is likened to a specialist amusement parlour whereby patrons will enter an enclosed ‘games arena’ with computerised back packs and headsets and partake in free-roam virtual reality experiences streamed by the entertainment provider based in Melbourne,” said a planning report submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

Eight players will be allowed in the area at once. (Photo by FRED DUFOUR / AFP)

“The proposed site has been chosen due to a lack of available tenancies which effectively cater to specific business requirements.

“Given the free-roam aspect to the proposal, it was important to secure a building which has minimal structural support pillars to prevent patron collisions while partaking in the gaming

experience.

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The former warehouse will be transformed into a virtual reality complex. (Photo by FRED DUFOUR / AFP)

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The attraction will be created within the existing building, with no changes to be made to its exterior.

Minimal changes are planned for the 556 sqm interior.

It is set to operate from 8am to 11pm, seven days a week and to have three staff.

It will become the Coast’s second virtual reality-based attraction after Southport’s Holoverse.