Blackpool Coral Island Arcade to come to Weston

The former Marks and Spencer store in Weston-super-Mare, which has stood empty for five years, may soon be transformed into a major new arcade. The prominent building, located on the town's High Street and stretching from the Sovereign Shopping Centre to Regent Street, has been vacant since M&S closed its doors in April 2019.

Planning permission was previously granted in 2023 to convert the site into a pub and adult gaming centre, but no progress was made. Now, fresh proposals suggest the space could be redeveloped into a "Coral Island" arcade, operated by the same team behind the popular Coral Island in Blackpool.

The new arcade is expected to feature a variety of attractions, including coin-operated amusement machines, video games, bowling, crazy golf, virtual reality experiences, and food and drink options like a sweet shop. Additionally, an adult gaming centre, already permitted under the earlier planning approval, will be part of the plans.

The High Street storefront would be divided into two sections: one entrance leading to the "Coral Island Candy Bar" and another to the "Coral Island Casino Slots," which will be housed in a separate, walled-off area on the ground floor.

A statement accompanying the change of use application to North Somerset Council said: "This transformation will revitalise the tired appearance of the building and breathe new life into the site, which has remained vacant since M&S left over five years ago."

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25 September 2024

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