New games arcade planned to offer 'nostalgia'

Plans for a new retro games arcade will bring a "bit of nostalgia" to Taunton if approved, a developer says.

Continue Arcades wants to turn vacant retail units in East Street into the new games centre in time for Christmas.

Austin Wood, who owns the Plymouth-based arcade company, has applied to Somerset Council for planning permission.

A representative of Mr Wood said the proposal would be "a popular option for families, teens, date night couples and those looking for a bit of nostalgia”.

If approved, the arcade would be open daily between 11:30 BST and 23:00 BST except for Sundays, when it will open between 11:00 BST and 21:00 BST, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Punters would pay £12 to enter the arcade and then play on the games with “no time limits, restrictions, or additional costs”.

A spokesman for James Wells Planning, representing the applicant, said: “The change of use is proposed, covering the ground floor, to enable video gaming uses with an ancillary bar serving drinks.

“The proposal will bring a new entertainment use to a vacant unit in a prominent position within the town centre.

“This type of use aims to diversify the role of the town centre in being a destination for leisure activities.”

Mr Wood has not confirmed how many new jobs will be created as a result of the new arcade.

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