Work gets under way on laser arena scheme in Bury St Edmunds

Work has now started on a new leisure complex in Bury St Edmunds which will soon be home to one of East Anglia’s biggest laser gaming arenas.

John Cross, the man behind the ambitious project, said the first of two buildings being incorporated into the scheme was currently being fitted out with a reception area, party rooms, cafe, mini bowling and amusement arcade.

He hopes to have the first building, the former Bury Spectrum Gymnastics Club in Western Way, open by the end of January/beginning of February, while the adjacent building - which will host PlantLaser - is unlikely to open before March.

Mr Cross, of Wattisfield, said: “It’s great to see it now taking shape. The laser arena’s now being designed by experts - it’s going to be a multi-level arena, space themed, using the very latest gun system on the market.”

Anyone visiting the first venue will be able to keep an eye on the progress of PlanetLaser, with 3D screens showing what is to come.

Offering a snapshot, Mr Cross said players’ vests and guns will automatically change to their team’s colour, and vests will have six targets, front and back, to shoot at.

Guns will be disabled for five seconds after players are shot and bonuses like extra lives and power apps will be available to gamers shooting at targets set to go off automatically during games.

The arena itself will be lit with ultra-violet to ensure ‘everything glows and jumps out at you’ and there will be 25 different games for members to choose from, with an advance membership system allowing players to check their scores online.

Mr Cross said some free memberships would be available when the facility opens.

For more details, visit www.planetlaser.co.uk