A gambling business has moved one step closer to opening an adult amusement arcade in the centre of the Isle of Wight’s county town.
The council has authorised Coopers Amusements Limited’s proposed shopfront signage for an adult gaming centre centre (AGC) at 93 High Street in Newport.
Lit up with an existing spotlight, the signage would consist of blue lettering on a grey background reading ‘Fortune Slots’.
The approved design was revised from a previous turquoise, white and bright blue scheme which a Newport and Carisbrooke community councillor criticised as ‘completely out of keeping’ with two neighbouring historic buildings: the 17th century Castle Inn and 19th century Holyrood Hall.
Cllr Vix Lowthion has also warned of the arcade’s potential to harm and exploit children and vulnerable people:
“School children walking from Newport bus station to the two high schools (Carisbrooke and Christ the King) pass this site twice a day.
“This central location would be appealing to young people – in Weymouth the police have voiced similar concerns about an AGC application in relation to under-18s entering the premises.
“The brand-new NHS Mental Health hub is across the road (30 metres) from this proposed location. The people visiting this building and undergoing treatment are much more susceptible to and at risk from problem gambling and crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.”
County Hall said the proposed sign’s wording and colour had been changed ‘following negotiations’.
Officers concluded the revised design ‘would not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area’.
A Planning Statement written by Brown&Co JHWalter on behalf of Coopers Amusements said:
“The application proposes that the AGC will be open from 10am to 10pm Monday to Sunday. "
Opening times are stereotypical for premises such as this, and the proposal would support both the daytime and evening economy, adding economic viability and vitality to the area.
“The proposal will employ two full-time jobs and one part-time which is considered to be a positive material and economic consideration in favour of the use.”
A final decision on the arcade is expected on April 10.
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