Arcade plans ‘not suitable’

Arcade plans ‘not suitable’

27 July 2022

CONCERN has been expressed about plans to transform the former Bank of Ireland building in Downpatrick into an amusement arcade and adult gaming centre.

A Newtownabbey-based company — which operates Joyland Amusements in Newcastle — is seeking permission to redevelop the former Market Street bank building which closed last summer.

Oasis Retail Services Limited is behind the redevelopment proposal which includes a £350,000 refurbishment investment which will create up to 12 new jobs.

In papers submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down Council planners, the company has also confirmed that the anticipated opening hours will be from 9am until midnight from Monday to Saturday and from 9am until 11.30pm on Sunday.

The company says it has been at the “forefront of raising standards within the local gaming industry” for more than 50 years, but Downpatrick Town Committee and one local politician have expressed concern about the proposal and plan to formally object to it.

They argue planning permission should not be granted for the amusement arcade and adult gaming centre at a time when work is underway to regenerate Downpatrick town centre and a new group is to be established to oversee this vital work. A new town centre manager could also potentially be appointed.

Oasis says it is keen to establish a presence in Downpatrick and is dedicated to the promotion of responsible gaming, with its various premises across the province designed to cater for mature customers and only those over 18 will be permitted.

The company insists this policy creates an adult leisure environment that coexists with and complements other neighbouring businesses.

Oasis says it has identified the former Bank of Ireland building as an “ideal opportunity” to provide a “quality location” which will not result in any loss of retail floorspace within the town centre and that its plan can enhance Downpatrick’s evening economy.

In addition, Oasis says its proposal will “introduce a complimentary facility to the town centre and promote the diversity of uses within it” and bring into beneficial use an otherwise vacant building and “will enhance the appearance and character of the area”.

A spokesman for the Town Committee said it will be raising its “strong concerns” with local planners and does not believe that Downpatrick is an appropriate location for such a facility.

“News of this planning application is a concern for Downpatrick Town Committee and we will be objecting to this every step of the way,” he continued.

“We feel the site which has been earmarked for this planned investment is not appropriate and is not in keeping with the town centre. Have neighbouring businesses been formally notified of this proposal?”

The spokesman said while such a facility may be more appropriate in a town like Newcastle where there are high visitor numbers, he believes Downpatrick is not a suitable location for an amusement arcade and adult gaming centre.

Local councillor, Gareth Sharvin, says he does not see how the proposed new amusement facility “will add value to the town centre” and benefit existing businesses.

He believes the former bank building is not suitable for an amusement facility and believes the property should continue to be offered for retail use or a service unit to attract ew businesses, start-up opportunities and jobs.

Cllr Sharvin said it was his understanding that the new amusement facility could potentially open late at night and does not see how such a business could really add value to the town centre of Downpatrick, confirming that he will be lodging a formal objection to the proposal.

He said news of the proposed amusement facility comes after the local council began the process to formally establish the Downpatrick Regeneration Group to develop a planned and strategic approach towards revitalising the town centre as an attraction for visitors, increasing consumer spend and attracting new businesses to the area.

“The regeneration of the town centre includes Irish Street, Church Street and Market Street and everyone hopes that progress will continue to be made in these areas and businesses will receive a welcome boost,” Cllr Sharvin continued.

“The regeneration of Downpatrick town centre is a top priority for the SDLP. We want to see it enhanced to attract more jobs, attract more shoppers and visitors and become an area where more people want to live.”

Cllr Sharvin said a recent report on the way forward following talks with the business community included an enhanced town centre street cleaning regime, increasing civic space to create a focal point where events can be held and where families can come together to enjoy the town centre.

“Other key priorities include improved communication between the local council and the business community regarding progress with existing strategies and, crucially, establishing a new regeneration forum representing a wide range of interests to develop a shared vision for Downpatrick and drive forward key actions in partnership,” he added.