Plymouth becomes hub of Europe's first Immersive Dome
Take the first look at the £7.6 million development at the Grade II listed Market Hall in Devonport
Last updated 13th May 2021
Exciting developments are getting underway in Plymouth.
Devonport is now home to a world-class Immersive Dome, which is based at the Grade II listed Market Hall.
The £7.6 million project will create a new space for digital, especially those working in immersive and creative applications of technology.
The Immersive Dome is the first of its type (15m diameter, 210 degrees over the top, with a flat floor) in Europe.
Needing just two projectors to cover the full surface of the dome, the tech at the Market Hall is cutting edge and creates a seamless shared virtual reality experience.
The bespoke sound system, boasting 19 channels, encases the Dome and adds to what is a truly immersive experience with the power to transport you anywhere in the universe.
"The Market Hall really is a game changer. It puts Plymouth on the map internationally as a place with an emerging tech cluster around immersive, and here in Plymouth offers incredible experiences and opportunities to people living and growing up in Devonport and the wider city.
"It is without a doubt our most audacious project to date. Not only have we breathed new life into another incredible listed building, but we’ve also brought it into the 21st century. It is immediately relevant and offers untold opportunity as a place for research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration... and, last but not least, a place to come and have fun!
"I cannot wait to open the doors and let people experience for themselves the magic and wonder of the Market Hall and its Immersive Dome."
Lindsey Hall - Chief Executive of Real Ideas
Alongside cultural experiences and immersive opportunities in the Dome, the Market Hall will offer creative and collaborative workspace, learning, workshops, meeting rooms, event spaces, a production suite and a café/bar.
Real Ideas has committed to support 13 new creative/tech start up business ideas as part of its Start Something Immersive programme.
Many of the cohort will be using the Dome alongside business support from Real Ideas to get their idea or project off the ground right here in Plymouth.
"The Market Hall dome is an amazing facility. The development of 360 degree and immersive visual content have made dramatic leaps in recent years and to have this facility on our doorstep will provide an amazing resource for the development of the creative industries in Plymouth and the wider south west."
Dave Hotchkiss - a Start Something Immersive participant
The project's official opening is planned for July, but the team at Real Ideas are planning a series of community focussed events from May 17 to give local residents, students and the business community the chance to discover the Market Hall and experience the world-class Immersive Dome for themselves.
The Market Hall has been developed by Real Ideas Organisation, in partnership with Plymouth City Council and the Institute of Digital Art and Technology at University of Plymouth.