Unmanned launderette ex-currency shop plan

A FORMER currency conversion shop in Buckland could become an unmanned launderette under new plans submitted to Portsmouth City Council.

The Gladstone Road building has been empty since No1 Currency closed in September 2020, prompting council efforts to find a new business to take it over.

Gosport-based Opass Group has applied for planning permission for the change of use of the unit, 7am9pm opening hours and work to install new ventilation systems to allow it to set up the launderette.

Its application says the council, which owns the building, has backed the business over two others that were also interested in it and ‘invited’ it to submit its application while legal agreements are signed.

Documents submitted to the council said the site would be an ‘ideal amenity’ for people living in the area and the machines would not create noise issues.

The council has set a target date of June 30 for reaching a decision on the proposal.

A business plan produced on behalf of business owner Kailasanathan Madanlal says the launderette would ‘revitalise’ the small Gladstone Road shopping parade.

‘Because the competition are manned premises, the commercial overheads and running costs prohibit opening at times more suite to today’s busy lifestyles where people are often working during the day and find it difficult to find suitable facilities open at times that are convenient to them,’ the plan said.

The business would be monitored remotely through a CCTV system and would be visited ‘at least daily’ for cleaning and maintenance.