Old cinema could become retro gaming lounge
Formal plans have been submitted to convert the former Royal Playhouse cinema and Poundland store into a retro gaming lounge with classic consoles and arcade machines
Plans to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema into a retro computer gaming lounge have been lodged with the national park authority. After investment firm Gordon Brothers took control, Poundland closed 57 outlets earlier this year including the White Lion Street branch in Tenby.
In a submission to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Matthew Mileson from Newport-based MB Games Ltd is requesting approval for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, latterly operated as a Poundland store, to a retro gaming lounge.
This follows a recently submitted application for a ‘CONTINUE? Retro Gaming Lounge’ sign on the front of the former cinema, ahead of the wider scheme for a retro gaming facility at the former cinema site, which has a Grade-II-listed front façade.
A supporting document for the change of use proposal through agent Asbri Planning Ltd states: “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.”
It continues: “The development would provide a much-welcomed addition to White Lion Road which will improve the vitality and viability of the immediate area by promoting greater levels of footfall within the area and introduce greater variety to the shopping frontage at this location.”
It suggests operating times of 10am-10pm, Sunday to Thursday, and until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The proposal, along with the associated signage plans, will be reviewed by council planners at a future date.
Before becoming a Poundland the building housed the Royal Playhouse, which closed its doors for good in early 2011 after operating for almost a century.
The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.
Source – Indonesia News
