Non-profit organisation British Esports, which is also known as the UK’s national esports federation, has announced its plans for increased investment in the state-of-the-art National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC), an advanced esports and education performance and training centre in the UK.
In complementing the esports facilities that can attract and develop the UK’s esports and creative talents, British Esports has also acquired a multi-purpose entertainment venue, new esports, and gaming accommodations.
Andy Payne OBE and Chair of British Esports said, “We are proud to be making a significant investment in Sunderland and the North East with a new multi-site venue capable of attracting and developing the digital forward society of tomorrow. We are excited to be developing infrastructure for the UK esports ecosystem, but, as part of the UK’s national levelling up campaign, we are equally thrilled that the people of the North East will have an incredible facility on their doorstep.”
In combination with the multi-functional sporting, creative and educational facility, the National Esports Performance Campus is now a multi-site venue that represents a multi-million-pound investment in the city of Sunderland and takes the overall footprint to more than 30,000 sq. ft.
Growing esports in the UK
The hub and the Grade II listed townhouses that were first established in the 17th century are situated in a conservation area and are within easy reach of the NEPC. The esports and gaming houses are scheduled to open in late Spring 2023 and are currently undergoing extensive renovation and refurbishment that’ll restore them to separate residential dwellings.
“It is fitting that a sport that is built on digital and technology is investing so significantly here,” said Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council. “British Esports’ investment in Riverside Sunderland with its Performance Campus and with the gaming accommodation, fits perfectly with our regeneration programme, which is transforming both of these parts of the city centre, and we’re delighted to be working closely with them to support them with their plans.”
The NEPC is scheduled to open in late 2023 and will be an 11,000 sq. ft, 1:1 acre esports training and educational complex with provision for more than 150 students. The venue will feature a 100-seater esports arena, an esports stage, classrooms, sim racing, broadcast and content production facilities and more.
The gaming industry continues to grow and esports is now one of the highest-paying jobs in the industry. As it aims to become one of the leading esports nations in the next 10 years, British Esports will collaborate with new partners, sponsors and brands across education, esports, technology and sports.
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
