Needing just two projectors to cover the full surface of the immersive dome, the tech at the Market Hall is state-of-the-art and creates a seamless shared virtual reality experience without the need for a headset. The bespoke sound system, boasting 19 channels of audio, encases the dome and adds to what is a truly immersive experience with the power to transport you anywhere in the universe, real or imagined, that you can dream of!

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “At the Arts Council, we are thrilled that the eagerly anticipated innovation space, the Market Hall, and the state-of-the-art immersive dome is now open. Since its inception the project has excited us with its digital ambitions and impressive regeneration of a disused historic building in Devonport.

“The Market Hall will use cutting edge technology to create unique artistic experiences and opportunities for the community, placing Plymouth and the south west even more firmly on the cultural and technological map.

“We applaud Real Ideas’ partnership working, approach to inclusivity, and their bold vision. This world-class space will play host to creative enterprises, educational institutes, and local businesses. Local people will be at its heart – encouraging creativity in the region, helping to support the local economy, and contributing to a sense of pride in Plymouth.

“Arts Council are pleased to have been part of this journey, thanks to funding from the Government, and we are proud to have backed this innovative vision and digital leadership from the team at Real Ideas. We look forward to seeing the ripples spread far and wide from the Market Hall.”

Lindsey Hall, Chief Executive of Real Ideas said: “The Market Hall really is a gamechanger, putting Plymouth and the South West of England on the map internationally as a place with an epic emerging tech cluster around immersive and creative digital.

“It is without a doubt our most audacious project to date. It is immediately relevant and offers untold opportunity as a place for jobs, research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration, economic development, and secondary economic benefits too. It’s also incredibly good fun!”

Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Market Hall is a truly unique space and a fantastic transformation of a previously disused heritage building. It cements Plymouth and the South West as a hub for creative and digital technology, and will help to create jobs, collaborative research and offer amazing experiences for the local community. I am delighted the Heart of the South West LEP was able to support this project with nearly £500k from the Unlocking Growth Fund.”

For the last six years, Plymouth’s pioneering Real Ideas Organisation, which is also responsible for the rejuvenation of the nearby Devonport Guildhall and also runs Ocean Studios in the Grade I listed Royal William Yard, has been completely re-imagining and transforming the building as the new, globally significant dedicated centre for the rapidly-emerging immersive sector.

The Real Ideas team have thrown open the doors to showcase the radical transformation to their surrounding Devonport neighbours and the communities of Devon and Cornwall. 

Lindsey Hall, of Real Ideas said: “We are delighted to be able to open the Market Hall to the public and share this incredible, imaginative and pioneering immersive space with all our neighbours and friends, especially the world-class immersive dome, to all our visitors for free.  This is a place for our extended Plymouth, and surrounding Devon and Cornwall, communities to connect, gather and share new experiences so we are thoroughly delighted to welcome everyone in this open-doors opportunity.”

The Market Hall joins the growing Real Ideas campus of spaces including Ocean Studios and Devonport Guildhall in Plymouth and CSpace in Newquay.