Outcry over town centre arcade plans

Outcry over town centre arcade plans

17 August 2022

AN outcry of objections has been raised over a recommendation by planners to approve a new amusement arcade in Downpatrick’s main shopping street.

Letters listing a catalogue of concerns from councillors and traders have been lodged ahead of next Wednesday’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee.

The application, by Conway Estates Ltd of Magherafelt, proposes to develop an amusement arcade on the site of the former Kelly’s Hardware shop in Market Street which closed in October last year. 

The new arcade would house approximately 28 slot machines, with opening hours restricted from 9am to midnight, Monday to Saturday, and from 11.30am to midnight on Sunday.

Under a separate application, planning permission is also being sought to open another amusement arcade in the former Bank of Ireland premises, also in Market Street.

Objectors say the proposed new arcade flies in the face of attempts to regenerate the town centre and may deter future investment in the busy shopping street.

They say it contradicts the ethos of the newly established Downpatrick Regeneration Group, which attract more businesses, shoppers, visitors and investment into the area.

Sinn Fein councillor Oonagh Hanlon, who has written a letter of objection, says she can “see no logic for approval at this location”.

She said “fantastic work” was being carried out by local groups and traders to “revitalise local retail offerings and encourage tourism” and that an “arcade would potentially be very detrimental to this vision”.

She said she was particularly concerned about the opening hours of the arcade.

“Whilst not confirmed as yet, one would presume this proposal would be opened long hours with potential increased noise and footfall. This would not lend itself well to encouraging visitors and shoppers to the town,” she added.

SDLP councillor Gareth Sharvin expressed his “deep disappointment” over the planners’ recommendation. 

Mr Sharvin, who has also written a letter of objection, said the application “goes against the aims of the high street and the objective of regenerating Downpatrick town centre”.

He believes the former hardware shop should be maintained as a retail outlet and said other local businesses do not want the arcade.

“The application has received a cold reception by local businesses and elected representatives, who have expressed their concern of the location for such an outlet.”

“The Strategic Planning Policy Statement also states the aim of the SPPS is to support and sustain vibrant town centres across Northern Ireland through the promotion of established town centres as the appropriate first choice location of retailing and other complementary functions. 

“This application for an amusement arcade is not supported and will not provide a sustained vibrant town centre for Downpatrick.

“It will have an impact on available small units for retail use. It will have an impact on the area it would be located in and have a significant impact on shopper activity.”

He added: “Council has just established the Downpatrick Regeneration Group and the aim of this group is to identify projects and actions that will bring more businesses, shoppers, visitors and investment into the area. 

“The approval of this application goes against the objective of this group and the strategy of the council to promote and grow out town centres.”

A letter of objection has also been lodged by the Downpatrick Town Committee, which said the application conflicted with the council’s strategic priorities to “promote the revitalisation of our city, towns, villages and rural communities”. 

“Should the proposed application be approved it could potentially defer future investment in Downpatrick town centre as it will undoubtably have a negative impact on pedestrian footfall,” the committee stated. 

A number of local businesses have also submitted letters of objection to the arcade, citing similar reasons.

One business owner raised the issue of staff safety, fearing that potential late opening hours could “affect the security of the area”.

The business owner added: “Being aware of other similar businesses in Downpatrick and the clientele they attract, we do not feel this would make an appropriate neighbouring business.”