Plans are underway to transform a vacant property on Queens Road, Hastings, UK, into a new adult gaming centre operated by Merkur Slots Ltd. The proposal, recently submitted to Hastings Borough Council, details plans to change the use of the ground-floor retail unit at 209-210 Queens Road into a modern gaming facility.

The site, formerly occupied by a Hays Travel branch until earlier this year, has been empty since the travel agency relocated to the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre. According to commercial property agents Dyer & Hobbis, the property was offered for lease at £35,000 per year and is currently marked as under offer.

Proposal Details and Planned Changes

According to documents submitted with the application, the ground floor would be adapted to house a Merkur Slots adult gaming centre. The design and access statement filed by Planning Potential on behalf of the operator outlines planned exterior changes, including a new entrance and updates to the shopfront, along with signage upgrades featuring “individually halo lit letters and logo” and “one internally illuminated projecting sign.”

As SussexWorld reports, the planned venue would offer low-stakes gaming options, with machines ranging from 10p to £2, and electronic bingo. Unlike betting shops, Merkur’s centres do not show live sports broadcasts, which the company says helps create a quieter atmosphere.

In its submission, the operator emphasized the potential economic benefits of reopening the long-vacant site, stating: “The principle of the proposed change of use is entirely acceptable and the proposals will protect and enhance the vitality and viability of this part of the town centre. The proposal involves the bringing back of a vacant unit into beneficial/economic use, which will trigger economic benefits.”

Noise and Operational Considerations

The application indicates that the gaming centre would operate 24 hours a day, similar to other adult gaming centres across the UK. Merkur highlighted that noise levels from its venues are generally low and designed not to disturb surrounding residents, even during late hours.

The company referenced its earlier 2022 planning application for a different site on Queens Road, which initially faced council opposition but was later approved following an appeal. That earlier project did not move forward, but Merkur noted that both locations share similarities, such as having residential apartments above the retail space.

Citing the planning inspector’s findings from the 2022 appeal, Merkur explained that conditions could be applied again to address any noise concerns: “Merkur Slots noise levels are generally very low and impacts on disturbance to surrounding uses are effectively mitigated and minimal. For example, as set out in the submitted brochure, only background music is played within venues (similar to shops) and there are no tannoy systems. Further, the late-night customer base is predominantly late shift workers looking to relax and larger groups are very rare due [to] the offer within the AGCs.”

The operator also stressed that the nature of the business is well-suited for the busy high street environment and that noise “would not result in adverse noise in either the day or night-time hours.”

If the planning application is approved, Merkur will also need to secure an Adult Gaming Centre licence before opening. Details of the proposal, filed under reference HS/FA/25/00401, are available through the Hastings Borough Council planning portal for public review.