Depot Mayfield
Depot Mayfield
The prototype of presence: Proving interactivity as a standalone draw.
Our previous work culminated in 2025 at Depot Mayfield in Manchester. This was our flagship immersive experience - designed, built, financed, operated, and marketed entirely in-house as a massive 20,000 sq. ft. proof-of-concept. The mission was to provide an antidote to “screen fatigue” and the passive consumption that defines modern entertainment. We set out to prove that what is truly valuable in a world of frictionless streaming is presence - the thrill of being part of a moment that cannot be replicated at home.
In a market dominated by massive sets and licensed IP, we tested a high-stakes theory: is interactivity alone enough of a draw? We deployed a high-tech “Digital Playground” that was intentionally “incomplete” without the user. By utilising our custom tech stack, we created a space that listened, adapted, and responded in real-time. From the “Insulting Mouse” (an AI-driven character creating unique emotional connections) to the “Cloud Organ,” the journey was simple enough for children but embedded with deep technical layers for adults to discover.
Applications & Versatility
Depot Mayfield serves as a blueprint for large-scale urban regeneration, empty real estate activation, and destination tourism. It proves that custom interactive tech can turn underutilized industrial spaces into high-yield, multi-generational hubs without the need for expensive licensed IP. This model is highly repeatable for developers and placemakers looking to drive footfall, increase dwell time, and create a “social media phenomenon” where the audience - not the set - is the star of the content. It is a turnkey solution for transforming 20,000+ sq. ft. into a world-class cultural destination.
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