The former Kevin Clark Tobacconist on Lord Street in Southport is being converted into an adult gaming centre.
The shop was a fixture on Lord Street for many years until its closure three years ago.
Grand Reels UK Ltd has now been granted planning permission by Sefton Council to change the use of the vacant ground floor premises.
The new adult gaming centre has been allowed to operate between 8am and 11pm daily.
In their submission, Grand Reels UK Ltd said: “The proposal seeks to bring back into beneficial use a currently vacant unit within Southport town centre, contributing to the vitality and viability of Lord Street, supporting the local economy, and creating new employment opportunities.
“The premises were previously occupied by Kevin Clark tobacconist, a long established retail business, which ceased trading in 2023. Since then, the unit has remained vacant.
“The absence of occupation has detracted from the activity and vitality of this section of Lord Street.
“The building itself is of modest architectural scale and is consistent with the surrounding pattern of commercial development. Importantly, the proposed change of use will not involve any external alterations and therefore will have no impact on the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.
“The site is well connected to local infrastructure. Public car parking is available nearby, and the unit is readily accessible by sustainable modes of transport. The location is therefore highly suited to a town centre leisure use such as an Adult Gaming Centre.
“The unit measures approximately 65 square metres and will be fitted out internally to accommodate a range of gaming machines, consistent with the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005 and subject to a separate Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licence issued by Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council.
“The premises will operate between the hours of 08:00 and 23:00 daily. These hours reflect a balanced approach, ensuring the unit contributes to the vitality of Lord Street throughout the day and into the evening while also respecting the amenity of nearby residents.
“The operation will be strictly controlled and managed by Grand Reels UK Ltd, an experienced operator within the sector. The company is committed to upholding the highest standards of management and social responsibility.
“Access to the premises will be limited to persons aged 18 and over, and the operator will maintain compliance with all Gambling Commission licensing requirements, including CCTV coverage, staff supervision, and responsible gambling protocols.
“The proposal will bring currently vacant premises back into active use, contributing to the vitality and viability of Southport Town Centre, creating local employment, and enhancing the diversity of leisure uses within the Lord Street frontage.
“The application site is entirely appropriate in respect to its location, size, and proposed use.”
A Sefton Council report said: “The proposed use is not retail and submissions supporting the application show the building has been marketed for some time.
“They also show evidence of vacancy of shop buildings along the wider Lord Street frontage. This has been exacerbated in recent years through the loss of big chain stores, such as Debenhams, which suggests alternative and viable retail use has become problematic in the area.
“The introduction of an alternate use to a small unit in a readily accessible location, would increase footfall and activity during the day and into the evening.
“In addition, staff and customers would likely create linked trips to support other businesses within the area, therefore positively supporting the viability and vitality of the area.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
