Vacant rBs building could hit the jackpot by transforming into adult gaming centre
ChaNGe would Create eiGht full-time aNd two Part-time jobs
THE former Royal Bank of Scotland on Victoria Street could reopen as an adult gaming centre.
The Riverhead bank has been closed for more than two years after shutting in July 2018. Plans have been submitted for the ground floor of the building on the corner of George Street to be converted.
The planning application states the arcade would include adult gaming machines, and would only be open to those 18 years or over. Eight full-time and two part-time jobs will be created if the change goes ahead. The application has been submitted by the Storey Group Limited, who operate a number of amusement centres, mainly across west and south Yorkshire.
The exterior view of the building is unlikely to change apart from a window display.
The applicant has offered assurances that it won’t create extra noise or harm shopping in the area. “The proposal is for an adult only amusement centre consisting of gaming machines.
“Such establishments are found in most shopping centres, including town and district shopping centres,” documents submitted with it state.
“They have different effects from amusement arcades. There is a statutory obligation to exclude under 18s.
“Premises such as this are no noisier than a shop and would be suitable neighbours in this location.”
It also adds the proposal would enhance the nearby shopping centre and the area’s evening economy.
The RBS building has been on the market since its closure in 2018.
The closure of the Grimsby branch was part of the bank’s efforts to shut 162 underused ones across the country.
It said that only 63 people used the branch on Victoria Street on a weekly basis.
The bank blamed people increasingly doing their transactions online or on mobile, and very few choosing to do it in-person.
The application is available to view online, and will be decided by North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning department at a later date.