Former Tenby Poundland to become retro gaming arcade

Plans to transform the former Poundland store and Royal Playhouse cinema building on White Lion Street into a family-friendly retro gaming lounge have been approved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

View Image

Proposals to transform Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema into a retro computer gaming lounge have received approval from the national park authority. After investment firm Gordon Brothers took control, Poundland closed 57 branches last year, amongst them Tenby’s White Lion Street outlet.

In a submission to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd requested permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, featuring its Grade II-listed front façade, latterly occupied by Poundland, to become a retro gaming lounge.

A supporting statement for the conversion scheme, submitted through agent Asbri Planning Ltd, explained: “The proposed retro gaming lounge will be inviting to all ages, including families, groups and individuals with no age restriction.

“The applicant has several similar premises across other parts of the UK and operates under a successful business model.

“This includes a fee being payable to enter the premises which thereby grants access to unlimited game time to all consoles/arcade machines.

“There will be no slot or coin-based reward games, so the proposal would not be considered/classed as gambling. The site will provide snacks and drinks (including alcohol) which will be canned/bottled drinks.

“The sale of such drinks would be ancillary to the overall function of the premises, and a separate alcohol licence will be submitted, accordingly.” The application seeks opening times of 10am to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, extending to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tenby Town Council backed the proposal despite worries about losing retail space, but acknowledged it would serve as a beneficial amenity for the town, particularly as a wet weather attraction and family entertainment destination.

Tenby Civic Society requested simpler lettering for external signage, while also expressing concerns including the loss of retail space and potential noise levels from gaming equipment. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

Two public objections were also submitted, highlighting concerns including possible effects on residential amenity and the principle of changing the property’s use.

An officer’s report backing approval noted it was “widely recognised that the role of traditional retail is evolving, and that many town centres are facing challenges to their vitality and viability.

The report added: “In this context, the proposed retro gaming arcade offers an experience-led use that can operate in all weather conditions, helping attract visitors to the retail area throughout the year.

“The development would therefore contribute positively to footfall, activity and the overall vibrancy of the town centre, in line with national planning policy objectives.”

Regarding the potential effect on neighbours, the report stated that noise would be confined within the premises, managed through “door closures which should be in operation at all times and maintained to ensure that the doors cannot be left open for any significant length of time”.

The application, together with its associated signage requests, received conditional approval from Park officers.

Before its time as a Poundland, the premises previously housed the Royal Playhouse, which closed its doors in early 2011 after almost a century in operation.

The cinema had struggled financially following the launch of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010, the opening night of the then-latest Harry Potter blockbuster drew a crowd of just 12 people.

Source – Indonesia News