A decaying mill building in Bradford city centre is being transformed into a laser tag arena where new infrared technology from the US will be used in Europe for the first time.

Laser Adventures Ltd, which already operates a successful LaserZone centre in Huddersfield, is spending about £200,000 converting Anderson Mills, at 114 Thornton Road, in the Goitside Conservation Area.

Bradfordian Paul Simmonds, the company’s owner, described LaserZone as an exciting laser tag game that uses computer-controlled equipment so players can score points by shooting opponents with infrared beams. He said he was awaiting delivery of a pioneering ZetaBlast system from Advanced Avionics in Michigan, US, which will be the first of its kind to be imported to Europe.

Work is under way to turn the first and second floors of the imposing mill into a professionally-themed, 8,000 square foot laser arena in the style of a maze to allow players to hide from each other.

Mr Simmonds, 38, of Low Moor, said: “We used to have a couple of laser tag centres in Bradford, but they have all shut down.

“Having it over two floors at the new one in Bradford is great because people will have to look above and below for other players, as well as to the sides.