10070622An innovative concept bringing live gamified drone racing/VR immersive experience to high streets, making use of large vacant spaces in city centresClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe Department (TD) is a UK-based immersive experience SME with a core project team of Hamish Jenkinson (founder/CEO/creative lead), Evie Manuel (MD/project lead), Martin Ocheng (head of content/technical/design lead) and Anthony Prior (commercial lead). In recent years, consumers have increasingly turned to online shopping. This has led to a growing number of retail businesses, particularly those located on high streets in city centres, to close, leading to job losses. Retail space vacancy rates are reaching all-time highs, with the North East among the worst affected areas. To prevent the further decline of the high street, there is a need to find new and innovative uses for these empty spaces. TD is developing a unique live gamified drone racing and VR immersive experience that combines theatre, gaming and emerging technologies. By making use of currently vacant retail spaces, TD will draw people back to high streets and city centres, benefitting surrounding businesses, create job opportunities and revive the fortunes of owners/landlords of these spaces. TD's innovative concept will rejuvenate areas most affected by changing consumer behaviour, aligning with the Levelling Up agenda of ensuring that communities across the UK benefit from investment in city centres/high streets.