Signs go up at Arcadia Darlington as opening date nears

The signs for Arcadia, which was originally meant to open in late 2025, have gone up at the site on Skinnergate.

Designed by Direct Signs (Northern) Ltd, based on North Road in Darlington, the Arcadia logo is now up above the building.

Signs for a bar and rage room have also been added to the windows of the gaming venue.

Earlier this month, bosses provided an update on the renovation works and said when residents can expect the venue to open.

Signs have gone up for Arcadia on Skinnergate (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Writing on Facebook, Arcadia said: “You may now see plenty of people coming and going out of the building, upstairs renovation is coming on quick and it’s looking amazing!

“Downstairs bar starts next week, today we finished ripping out the old bar and plumbing. We’re not covering the windows so you can keep an eye on us! If you see people inside, give them a knock and a wave!

“We’ve ordered our signs and window stickers for the front of the building, hopefully they should be up in the next couple of weeks.

“We’ve got our internet going in next week finally, only took Virgin a month to get sorted, all our 4K CCTV is up and active to keep an eye on everyone during their time inside.

A picture posted to social media showed how the work is progressing at Arcadia Darlington (Image: ARCADIA)

“The second building lease process is coming along nicely and moving at a fast pace.

“Approximately four-six weeks until opening now, it’s finally so close and we cannot wait to show you all, what we’ve been creating, we want to be Darlington’s ultimate social fun safe space for everyone.”

In January, The Northern Echo reported the gaming site is set to open in early 2026.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Andrew Hoggart, the brains behind the idea, said: “It is not far off from being completed. Downstairs has not really been touched, but that is not going take that long to do. It should be open by February/March time.

Andrew Hoggart (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

“I can put a month on it now when I have not been able to before. Most people have been asking for a while when Arcadia will open, but I can say it will be February or March.”

The venue is set to have everything from 360° virtual reality to adrenaline-pumping simulators and retro arcade classics.

The gaming spot will also have a licensed bar and offer three different children’s party experiences.