Namco UK and Rovio Entertainment have partnered with intu shopping centres to launch a new-concept Angry Birds-themed adventure golf attraction - the UK's first - at the intu Metrocentre in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK.

The attraction is expected to launch in September 2019, with plans to develop further sites over the next three years, and will create a new leisure experience at the shopping centre, which boasts an annual footfall of 20 million.

Since its inception in 2009, the Angry Birds franchise has generated more than four billion mobile game downloads and includes a hit movie, multiple mobile games, animated series and a number of brand licensing ventures with theme parks, including the Angry Birds Activity Park at Sundown Adventureland in Puerto Rico.

Philip Milward, commercial director at Namco, said: "This will be the UK's first Angry Birds Adventure Golf and there's no better place to launch such a fun and entertaining experience. We're looking for more leasing opportunities within high footfall locations to ensure this new attraction can really flourish across the UK."

Kate Grant, regional MD at intu, said: Angry Birds Adventure Golf is going to provide a thoroughly entertaining and completely new leisure experience for the centre's 20 m annual footfall alongside its mix of retail and dining."