A vacant building on Princess Street could soon be transformed into an area of mystery and intrigue for willing participants to escape from if a development application is passed by Bundaberg Regional Council.
The application, drafted by Burnett Country Certifiers, for a material change of use (indoor sport and recreation), was recently submitted and outlines plans for an escape room in the Bundaberg East area.
According to Escape Grid owner/operator, Beth Scott, an escape room is a one-hour interactive game where players are immersed in a story and led into a “locked” room.
“Here they must find clues, unravel riddles and solve problems, ultimately to escape from the room. Some games comprise more than one room,” she said.
“Collaboration with everyone in the team is a must, because the games can be challenging.
“With escape being the common goal, each person gets to contribute their ideas to help each other towards this end.”
Wikipedia says an escape room is a mental and physical adventure-based game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand.
Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms.
Multiple escape rooms planned
Beth said Escape Grid had plans to open three escape rooms as part of the proposed development.
“Our plan is to add more rooms in the months ahead. We also have a conference room and a drama room which will be available for hire,” she said.
“The escape rooms will include Where’s Billy? for all ages, Old Bob’s Gold Mine from 12 years up and Papa’s Library from 15 years up.”
Beth said Escape Grid was completely original, with the owners writing all of their own scripts and designing each room.
“There is a need for this in our city, and we will strive to bring fun and enjoyment to everyone,” she said.
“Escape Grid will be able to offer schools and corporate groups wonderful coaching opportunities for team building, leadership training and problem-solving skill development.”
The development application states Escape Grid intends to operate during daytime hours initially, however, once the development is established, evening bookings will be available.
Bundaberg East thriving
Bundaberg Regional Council’s planning and development portfolio spokesperson Cr Ross Sommerfeld said, if approved, the addition of Escape Grid would provide even more variety to Bundaberg East.
“We continue to see so much growth in the region, which cements the fact that developers are optimistic about the future of Bundaberg,” he said.
“The area in particular along Princess Street is a bustling sector full of unique, local businesses.
“It’s fantastic to see even more interest in this area to help grow our region further.”
- Other news: Development activity powers ahead in Bundaberg Region
- Glow it up for Derby Dolls volleyball fundraiser
