Planners recommend green light for arcade

Planners recommend green light for arcade

8 February 2023

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee will this morning be asked to overturn a planners’ recommendation to approve plans to transform the former Bank of Ireland building in Downpatrick into an amusement arcade and gaming centre.

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

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

If the planners’ recommendation is agreed at today’s meeting of the local authority’s Planning Committee, the arcade would open seven days a week from 9am until midnight from Monday to Saturday and from 11.30am until midnight on Sunday.

Downpatrick Town Committee and one local politician have expressed concern about the proposal and made a formal objection.

Concern has been expressed that the arcade would impact on efforts to regenerate Downpatrick town centre and could potentially deter future development and impact on footfall. In addition, concern has been voiced that the arcade conflicts with the local authority’s regeneration and economic development strategy.

Oasis has previously stated in planning papers that 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 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.

Downpatrick Town Committee argue that given the impact adult gaming centres have on individuals, the application cannot be considered a form of recreation or leisure which is contrary to planners’ recommendations.

The committee is also seeking clarity from planners on the function of a ‘recreational facility’ as the proposal for the former bank building is for an adult gaming centre.

It contends that planners have “failed” to take into consideration the ongoing collaboration by Newry Mourne and Down Council, the Department for Communities, the Ministerial Advisory Group for Built Architecture and Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.

“The collaboration is seeking to secure Downpatrick as the first town in Northern Ireland to roll out the ‘Living High Streets Craft Kit’ and public consultation to support securing LHSCK is halfway through delivery via public workshops,” said a committee spokesman.

“Evidence collated to date indicates that vacant premises should be used to support local business and develop a circular economy, keeping money in the town.

“There should be more green space to encourage outdoor activity for a healthier active lifestyle and the nee to increase family friendly activity to encourage town centre footfall.” 

The spokesman added: “There is a desire to create Downpatrick into a town that does not host of a high  volume of betting/gaming establishments, fast food outlets and charity shops. This planning application is contrary to the needs of the public and as such will have an unacceptable adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the existing town centre.” 

In papers published ahead of today’s meeting, planners say an amusement arcade and adult gaming centre comprises a form of leisure and entertainment and therefore constitutes a town centre use.

Planners say the proposal will not result in the loss of a retail unit given the Market Street building was a former bank and that the proposed development would not break up an otherwise continuous shopping frontage. In addition, they say there is no change to the building’s internal floorspace.

They say no evidence has been provided regarding the impact of the proposed arcade on the proposed regeneration of Downpatrick, noise, disturbance and long opening hours.

“In terms of the proposal putting off potential investors to the town or hampering regeneration efforts, there has been no evidence presented as to how this proposal will discourage shoppers from visiting Downpatrick town centre or investing in it,” say planners.

“Objections have been taken into consideration. However, it is important to ensure that planning control is used to deal with planning issues and not with other things.”