When it comes to finding things to do in the city centre, it can get a bit dull heading to the same bars repeatedly. This has fuelled a move towards places that can offer an experience in comparison to just pints such as axe throwing, rage rooms or escape rooms.
The latest venue to open is a first for Nottingham's city centre and it's completely hidden from view on a busy street. The Alley, a new shooting experience is set to open before Christmas in the underground on Thurland Street. Visitors will need to look for the door beside Wonderpho, the Vietnamese restaurant and walk down the stairs to find an underground labyrinth of street art, paintballing and gaming-inspired masks.
Visitors will be able to book in, grab a mask and gun before taking on the many challenges that have been set up in different stages where there will be flashing targets to take aim at. Sam and Denise Viner took on the challenge of building the range which has taken four months to construct.
Read more: Warning issued after children seen playing on frozen pond
The couple, who are based in West Bridgford, was inspired to create the experience as they wanted to open a business that fit in with their active lifestyles and located it in the city centre as most shooting ranges are based outside of the city centre.
"We wanted to do something entertainment-based so we looked at all different options that would fit into our lifestyle a bit more. I ran a paintball site when I was younger and really loved the activity side of it but there are major blockers in that you need to drive to a place and get a group of ten people together," Sam said.
"No one likes getting hit with paintball even though it's a load of fun. So we thought we would have targets instead. We started looking for a space but we thought the city centre was as good as it was going to get. We found this space and it was perfect as it was underground and the atmosphere was perfect."
Denise explained: "We are aiming at gamers as well as people that want to spend money on experiences nowadays. People used to just want to go out to drink and eat which they still do but on a lesser scale."
The team are keen to avoid any associations with the military or camouflage so the venue has been given a slick makeover with graffiti, colourful art and has a warm atmosphere that feels a world away from the outdoor paintball experiences. All of the hard work has been done by Sam and Denise along with logistics manager Russell Thompson.
When it comes to the experience, visitors won't have to book in groups to take on the course but can opt to join singles nights or go in solo. The shooting will cost around £30 to £50 depending on group and the length of time people want.
However, due to insurance, there won't be any alcohol allowed on the premises which, considering paintballs can hurt is maybe not a bad decision. How difficult has it been to get permission to have the paintball markers in a venue in the middle of the city centre?
Sam explained: "The markers fall under the Firearms Act but essentially because there isn't enough power, there are no regulations in terms of where you can use them so it's relatively easy. The biggest thing is obviously insurance as it's expensive to cover anything like paintball activities."
"In terms of actual regulations, we have a genuine reason to own and operate them with targets so it's absolutely fine. Paintball has come a long way since the early days which was a concern because everything was so regulated and closely monitored because it was new. Now it's been around for years and we have airsoft and all sorts of things so pretty easy."
When it comes to construction, the venue needed a complete clear-out as it had previously been unused so there was a layer of dust and a few rats that needed to be removed. It's unrecognisable as the new shooting range is ready to be opened later this month.
Denise highlighted that it took a lot of hours and late nights to prepare the place. The sets have been thoughtfully designed using recycled items including one area full of old gym equipment. There are sets designed to look like camping areas, and hairdresser salons with several flashing targets dotted throughout the course.
"The first issue is that we couldn't let anyone inside until it had been completely cleaned down and sanitised. Sam has done a lot of this place himself and built every wall himself that you can see. He's been by himself here until midnight most nights," she said.
Sam added: "A lot of the items you see as you walk through have been recycled even the sofas have been. Everything other than the construction materials has been recycled."
