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Retro gaming arcade in Salisbury saved from immediate closure

Inside the arcade with several brightly coloured pinball machines lined up against one wall and people, including children, playing on them. There is also an air hockey table with young people playing.Image source, James Petherick

Image caption,

Highest Score Arcade in Salisbury, Wiltshire, closed in June due to running costs and low footfall

Sammy Jenkins

BBC News, Wiltshire

The owner of an independent retro gaming arcade which was on the brink of permanent closure said he had been “blown away” after more than £3,000 was raised to save it.

Highest Score Arcade in Salisbury, Wiltshire, closed in June due to running costs and low footfall.

However following a “make or break weekend”, which involved two open days, its immediate future has been secured.

Its owner James Petherick said: “Locals, businesses, and supporters around the world have come together to keep something special alive for Salisbury.”

Opened in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre in August 2024, the arcade features a carefully-restored collection of classic pinball and retro gaming machines.

Entry to the open days, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, cost a minimum of £1, with other donations made via an online page.

The arcade said it would now work to update its booking system, reopening with updated times on its website and social media pages.

The arcade said it was “excited to welcome the community back through its doors”.

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