Bad Wolf pounces on Whitefriargate opportunity for 'geeks and nerds'

Nick, right, congratulates Ash and James as they continue with their exciting plans for a new leisure and retail experience in Whitefriargate.

A VISION to revitalise one of Hull’s main shopping streets is being realised by two ambitious city men as they turn their gaming hobbies into retail careers.

Bad Wolf Gaming Ltd, the brainchild of friends Ash Tyson and James Wilson, will open at the top of Whitefriargate in the early summer – offering a mix of retail and community space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The ground-floor space is being transformed into a vibrant retail outlet, which the pair say is perfect for ‘geeks and nerds’ with the latest games, and gaming, TV, film and pop culture accessories and gifts and accessories for sale. Brands will include Pokemon and the entertainment genre Anime. 

Meanwhile another section of the ground floor will be a dedicated space for locals who are trying to break into the retail market.

“Whether they are selling hand-made jewellery, or they are artists, we hope they will come along and use the space to display what they are creating and selling. We want to offer this space to others to help them promote their work and give them a stepping-stone,” said Ash.

As you enter the new business, it has also been confirmed that the Tourist Information Centre will have a physical presence in a special area of the store three days a week, with displays the rest of the time.

“We just want to do as much as we can not only to make our business a success, but to promote the whole area,” added James.

Further down the line the pair, who met when they worked in retail at a now closed shop in Whitefriargate, want to develop the upstairs second floor as a retro cinema with the first floor converted into a games space where anything from Dungeons and Dragons to Monopoly can be enjoyed. This floor will also incorporate a Steampunk-themed tuck-shop and bar.

In making their dream a reality the pair have been supported by agent Scotts Property through Chartered Surveyor Nick Coultish. Nick is delighted to see this independent business take shape in a location that has fallen victim to the high street downturn with a number of well-known brands exiting.

“I do not see the decline of high streets continuing, as some people may have predicted. Instead they will evolve and change and what Ash and James are doing is proof of that,” said Nick.

“Ash and James have identified an opportunity and understand that retail needs to offer more than ever, providing the consumer with a positive leisure experience in addition to traditional retailing.  Ash and James’s vision does just that, combining traditional retail with incubating a community that will support the independent retailer for years to come.

“Having already secured a recent letting 60 Whitefriargate, I hope this is one of many positive stories on Whitefriargate and anticipate that it will continue to revitalise and reinvent itself over years to come. This opening sends out a really positive message and we wish them well. We also hope others follow, taking advantage of the opportunities that exist along the street,” he added.

Bad Wold Gaming is expected to open in June and can be found at 37-38 Whitefriargate.