A GAMES cafe is planning to move into a former theatre.

Dice Saloon, which is currently based in Longley Industrial Estate in Brighton, has made an application to open in the former Emporium theatre in the city’s London Road.

The building was originally a Methodist church until 2006 and the theatre closed in 2016.

The cafe, which provides a space for a range of game activities including board games, card games and computer games, has applied for a change of use for the building from a place of worship to retail, assembly and leisure.

Dice Saloon needs to find new premises to continue trading as its current lease expires at the end of the month.

It plans to use the existing lobby area as a board games shop and the former church and community hall would be used for gaming events.

According to the planning application, the games centre would be “a positive evolution of the building that enhances the social infrastructure around London Road”.

It says: “The board game and PC console gaming focus helps support and promote the creative digital and information technology cluster burgeoning in the area.

“The resultant public social gaming centre will provide a community venue that aligns with the innovative appeal of the regenerated area.”