AEG Europe is bringing football home

The owner and operator of the O2 in Greenwich, SE10, has agreed a deal with global sports and entertainment company TOCA Social for a 30,000 sq ft interactive football and entertainment venue. TOCA has taken a 15-year lease on the site with Waterfront Limited Partnership, a joint venture between AEG and Crosstree Real Estate Partners, which own and manage Icon outlet and the entertainment district at the O2. It will be the world’s first interactive football venue. Founded by Eddie Lewis, a two-time US World Cup and former English Premier League midfielder, TOCA Social is working with architect Gensler to develop the one-of-a-kind, immersive football environment. The brand currently owns 12 football training centres in Southern California, the Pacific Northwest and Georgia, and has 18 affiliates throughout North America. Alex Harman, president of TOCA Social, said: “The O2 is Europe’s most iconic family leisure and retail destination, welcoming millions of visitors annually from the UK and throughout the world. It is the perfect launchpad for our mission to bring the joy of playing football to everyone.” Alistair Wood, executive vice president of real estate and development at AEG Europe, added: “TOCA Social will become a major cornerstone as we further develop the O2, adding to a mix that already includes London’s largest cinema complex and a great retail offering with shopping at Icon Outlet, alongside the world’s leading music venue.” Lunson Mitchenall is leisure leasing agent at the O2.   To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette