A new 24-hour adult gambling experience could be coming to Ayr town centre, Ayrshire Live can exclusively reveal.
Plans have been unveiled to introduce an all-day and all night adult gaming centre to a vacant site on Ayr High Street.
Behind the proposals are Merkur Slots Ltd, who are part of the Germany headquartered Gauselmann Group of companies.
The Gauselmann Group are a €2.57 billion turnover international business, active in the “delivery of safe gambling entertainment experiences.”
In the proposals the applicants seek full planning permission for the change of use of the ground floor at 244-246 High Street, Ayr, from a vacant class 3 unit to an adult gaming centre use.
They also seek permission for ‘minor external rectification works’ to the shop front.
The current site is empty and previously contained a cafe, which closed in March 2020.
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In a supporting statement the agents, Harrogate-based firm Planning Potential, they said that AGC’s (adult gaming centres) “typically operate 24 hours” and “that is proposed” for the new AGC at the Ayr High Street site.
The supporting statement said: “The surrounding area is mixed and has an established night-time economy, notably comprising restaurants, bars and pubs.
“Given the context of the site there will be no significant adverse impacts provided the rectification works to the property are implemented.”
The statement goes on: “The unit is vacant and the change of use would not compromise the vitality and viability of the city centre.
“The introduction of an AGC at this location will be in place of a vacant unit and will implement a use that is already established in this area of Ayr.
“Like any other retailer/leisure operator, key factors such as footfall, competitive presence, demand and overall cost of running an outlet help operators decide where to open new premises.
“Therefore, the change of use in this instance will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the diverse economic mix within Ayr.
“The proposed AGC will bring a vacant unit, which has not been contributing to the local economy, back into use and return activity to the frontage which is a significant benefit to this part of the town centre.”
The plans are listed as ‘pending consideration’ on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision on them is expected in mid February.
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