Plans to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema to a retro computer gaming lounge have been approved by the national park.
Following a takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland shut 57 stores last year, including Tenby’s branch on White Lion Street.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd, sought permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, with its Grade-II-listed front façade, most recently used as a Poundland store to a retro gaming lounge.
A supporting statement for the change of use scheme through agent Asbri Planning Ltd said: “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 proposes opening hours of 10-10, Sunday to Thursday, and to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tenby Town Council recommended approval despite concern at the loss of retail, but agreed it would be a welcome amenity to the town as a wet weather and family entertainment venue.
Tenby Civic Society had asked for a simpler form of lettering on external signage, and also raised concerns including the loss of retail space potential noise levels from gaming equipment.
Two objections from the public were also received, raising concerns including a potential impact on residential amenity and the principle of the change of use.
An officer report recommending approval said 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,” adding: “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.”
Of the potential impact on neighbours, it said the noise would be contained within the building, controlled by “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 proposal, along with related signage applications, was conditionally approved by Park officers.
Prior to being a Poundland, the site was the Royal Playhouse, which had its final curtain in early 2011 after running for nearly a century.
The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010 the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.
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