New 24-hour 'adult gaming centre' planned for Holmeside in Sunderland city centre

A planning application has been submitted to Sunderland City Council for a business unit at 4-4A Holmeside.

The space was last occupied by betting shop William Hill, but has been vacant for more than a year.

New plans from Cashino Gaming Ltd could see an adult arcade open at the ground floor level, offering bingo machines and creating up to 12 jobs.

According to planning documents, adult gaming centres do not offer fixed odds betting terminals, which are normally associated with betting shops.

Instead they aim to provide convenient locations where people can go to “spend their spare change, have a game of bingo and enjoy their favourite pastime.”

If approved, the proposed adult gaming centre at Holmeside would trade under the Merkur Slots brand offering low stakes machines.

This includes stakes of between 10p and £2 with the average stake from customers being between 30-40p, according to the applicant.

Late and early opening hours also aim to cater for the “local entertainment workforce and shift workers who like to relax after their busy shifts.”

In supporting documents, the applicant outlines the benefits of the scheme, including bringing a vacant unit back into use, increased footfall and employment.

A planning statement reads: “The principle of the proposed change of use is entirely acceptable and the proposals will protect and enhance the vitality and viability of this part of the city centre.

“The proposal involves the bringing back of a long-term vacant unit into beneficial use, which will lead to improvements to the appearance and accessibility of the frontage, footfall, linked trips, new jobs and will assist in diversifying the centre’s offer.”

It goes on to say: “Adult gaming centres typically operate 24 hours and that is proposed for the new adult gaming centre at the application site.

“Given the commercial nature of the area, the proposals will not give rise to any undue noise and disturbance to city centre residents, nor adjoining uses.

“Cashino noise levels are generally very low and impacts on disturbance to surrounding residences are effectively minimised and mitigated.”

A final decision on the plans is expected by April, 2021.

Comments can be made by writing to Sunderland City Council’s planning department or commenting on its online portal.

For more information, visit online-applications.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning reference: 21/00266/FUL

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