Gravity Max, located at Westfield Stratford City, has brought significant economic and social benefits to the Stratford area. As an immersive entertainment venue offering activities such as indoor go-karting, bowling, and virtual reality experiences, Gravity Max has attracted a diverse audience, contributing to increased foot traffic, local spending, and job creation in Stratford. Below is an estimated breakdown of the quantified impact that Gravity Max has had on the local economy and community.
Estimated Quantified Impact of Gravity Max on Stratford
| Benefit Title | Description | Beneficiary | £ Value Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Foot Traffic to Westfield Stratford | Gravity Max has significantly increased foot traffic at Westfield Stratford, boosting visitor numbers, which positively impacts surrounding retail and dining outlets. | Local Businesses (Retail, Dining) | £5–7 million annually | Based on estimated foot traffic increase of 300,000–400,000 visitors annually, with average additional spend of £15–£20 per visitor on retail and dining. |
| Direct Revenue from Gravity Max | Revenue generated directly by Gravity Max through ticket sales, go-karting, bowling, and other attractions. | Gravity Max (business) | £3–4 million annually | Estimated based on 150,000 to 200,000 visitors annually, with an average spend of £20–£25 per visitor on activities, food, and drink. |
| Job Creation (Direct Employment) | Gravity Max has created jobs in customer service, event management, and technical roles related to its attractions, providing local employment opportunities. | Local Workforce | £1.5–2 million annually | Estimated wages for 50–100 full-time and part-time employees, assuming an average salary of £25,000–£30,000. |
| Indirect Job Creation (Local Businesses) | Increased foot traffic at Westfield Stratford has led to indirect job creation in nearby retail, dining, and service sectors. | Local Workforce | £500,000–£1 million annually | Includes additional staff hired by nearby restaurants, shops, and services to meet the demand generated by Gravity Max visitors. |
| Increased Retail and Dining Spending | Gravity Max visitors are likely to engage in additional spending within Westfield Stratford and nearby areas, boosting local business revenues. | Local Retailers and Restaurants | £4–5 million annually | Based on average retail and dining spend of £10–£15 per visitor, with approximately 300,000–400,000 visitors annually. |
| Boost to Local Tourism | Gravity Max has contributed to Stratford's appeal as a destination, attracting tourists and day visitors from outside the local area, benefiting local hotels and transport services. | Local Tourism Industry (Hotels, Transport Services) | £1.5–2 million annually | Includes spending on transport, hotels, and local services by visitors traveling to Stratford for Gravity Max and other attractions. |
| Property Value Uplift | The success of Gravity Max has contributed to the overall regeneration and desirability of the Stratford area, increasing commercial property values within and around Westfield. | Local Property Owners, Investors | £10–15 million in total value increase | Estimated uplift in property values due to increased foot traffic, improved area perception, and higher demand for retail and commercial space. |
| Community Engagement and Social Impact | Gravity Max has become a popular leisure destination for families, young professionals, and corporate events, fostering social engagement and offering new recreational activities for local residents. | Local Residents and Visitors | Non-monetized | Social benefits include improved quality of life, recreational opportunities, and community engagement, although difficult to quantify in financial terms. |
| Boost to Stratford’s Leisure Economy | Gravity Max has contributed to Stratford’s broader leisure economy by attracting visitors for entertainment activities and contributing to the area's diverse leisure offerings. | Local Economy, Leisure Sector | £2–3 million annually | Impact includes collaboration with other local entertainment venues, helping to create a cluster of leisure activities that benefits the wider economy. |
Summary of Key Economic Impacts
- Total Estimated Annual Economic Impact: £18–24 million
– This includes increased local spending, job creation, direct revenue, and property value uplift.
- Job Creation:
– Direct employment of 50–100 people in customer-facing, event management, and technical roles. Indirect job creation in retail, dining, and service industries as a result of increased foot traffic.
- Local Spending:
– Visitors to Gravity Max contribute to increased retail and dining spending, with a significant boost in spending at Westfield Stratford and surrounding areas.
- Tourism Impact:
– Gravity Max has enhanced Stratford’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, drawing visitors from outside the local area and contributing to local transport, hotel, and service industries.
- Property Value Uplift:
– The presence of Gravity Max has contributed to increased property values, particularly in commercial and retail spaces within and near Westfield Stratford.
Notes on Estimation
- Visitor Numbers: Based on estimated 300,000–400,000 annual visitors to Gravity Max, with data extrapolated from similar entertainment venues in high-traffic areas like Stratford.
- Spending Estimates: Calculated using industry averages for visitor spending on leisure activities, retail, and dining. Estimates for retail spending are £10–£15 per visitor, and for Gravity Max activities, £20–£25 per visitor.
- Property Value Impact: Increased foot traffic and the success of Gravity Max likely contributed to an uplift in property values within Westfield Stratford and surrounding areas, driving up demand for commercial leases.
- Tourism Impact: Gravity Max’s appeal as an entertainment destination contributes to increased tourism spending on accommodation, dining, and transport for visitors from outside the immediate Stratford area.
Conclusions:
This quantified impact analysis highlights the role of Gravity Max in driving economic growth in Stratford through direct and indirect contributions to the local economy. By attracting visitors, creating jobs, and boosting local businesses, Gravity Max has become a key player in the ongoing regeneration of Stratford, contributing significantly to its leisure and retail economy.
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Case Study: Gravity Max – Revolutionising Leisure and Entertainment at Stratford
Overview Gravity Max, located in Stratford’s Westfield Shopping Centre, represents a new frontier in urban entertainment and experiential leisure. Launched in 2022, Gravity Max is a multi-level, immersive leisure complex that combines cutting-edge attractions with social and entertainment experiences, offering everything from go-karting and bowling to VR gaming and
