William Hill betting shop in Brighton to become gaming centre

The William Hill branch in St James’s Street, Brighton, closed in September 2019.

Since then the shop next door to the Morrison’s supermarket has stood empty.

Now, documents have been lodged with Brighton and Hove City Council to convert the premises.

Merku Slots wants to take on the site for an adult gaming centre.

Consultants from Planning Potential said: “Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the ground floor of the site from a vacant betting shop to an adult gaming centre.

Plans have been revealed for the former William Hill betting shop in St James's Street, Brighton

“The ground floor unit, which was formerly occupied by the William Hill bookmaker, has been vacant since their departure in September 2019

“The temporary hoarding has been graffitied and the shopfront is in need of refurbishment and repair.

“The site is located on Prime Retail Frontage within the St James’s Street District Centre.

“There is also a variety of operators in the vicinity of the application site which contribute to the centre’s night-time economy, including restaurants, bars, takeaways and an Admiral gaming centre to the west.”

The consultants said the plans are to change the use of the site and for permission to repaint and repair the shopfront.

Two applications have been lodged with the city council’s planning team.