A prominent amusement arcade, facing the iconic Harris Museum and library, may be converted into a new financial and professional unit if planning consent is granted.
Prestonians may be glad to see the back of the ‘out of place’ arcade. However, will they be happy to see a new betting shop?
Preston planing committee will discuss the application today (31 March 2014) to turn Leisuretime Amusements, with a self service tanning salon on the first floor, into a new licensed betting office.
Coral Racing Ltd have asked for permission to install the new unit at 32 Market Place with a bright new shop front and hanging sign with up to four gaming machines.
Alterations to the shop frontage include new aluminium shopfront frames and the main door finished in blue.
The overhead signage is proposed in keeping with the predominant style of the surrounding shop units.
In the application they note they ‘recognise that a high standard of design is required in this
location to retain/enhance the character of Market place and the surrounding conservation area.’
The applicant proposes that the new frontage will be designed to enhance the character of the area and unify the front facade of the building.
The betting shop plans to employ 2 full time and 4 part time staff if consent is granted.
Coral currently have two other units in Preston. At 16 Orchard Street and 95-97 Tithebarn Street.
The location of the new unit will sit inside the Market Place Conservation Area which encompasses, amongst others, Market Square, the Cenotaph, Market Obelisk and Miller Arcade. The current building was identified as being a ‘negative factor’ within the conservation area.
What do you think of the amusement arcade being replaced by a betting shop? Does Preston need any more betting shops? Let us know in the comments below