A prominent former town centre retail store, which has been empty for more than seven years, could be set for a new lease of life.
The former Argos store in Lowestoft town centre could be turned into an adult gaming centre - provided plans get the go-ahead.
Change of use plans have been lodged to turn part of the former Argos store in Lowestoft town centre that has "sat vacant since 2016" into Merkur Slots.
The plans, which are currently "awaiting decision" with East Suffolk Council centre around "Change of use of part ground floor from vacant Class E unit to Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) (Sui Generis) and external alterations to the front and rear of the unit" at 37 London Road North.
If approved, it would see Merkur Slots "relocating from their existing unit at 54 London Road North in the opposite frontage" - as they propose to move around 50 metres away to the opposite side of the town centre.
With the vacant unit remaining empty since Argos closed in July 2016, plans have been submitted by Planning Potential Ltd on behalf of the applicant Merkur Slots Ltd (UK).
A planning statement said: "Merkur Slots have an operational unit at 54 London Road North," however, it adds: "The lease on this premises is due to expire and Merkur Slots are keen to relocate across the road to maintain their presence within this stretch of the high street.
"The unit has been vacant since 2016, therefore the proposals would bring part of this long-standing vacant unit back into active use and create a smaller retail unit which is likely to be more attractive to retail operators."
It concludes: "The proposal involves the bringing back of a long-standing vacant unit into beneficial/commercial use, which will trigger a number of economic benefits."
A final decision on the plans is likely to be made in the coming weeks by East Suffolk Council.
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