Bassetlaw District Council’s planning committee has recommended councillors approve proposals submitted by Champion Gaming to open a new AGC in a vacant unit in Worksop town centre.

The former men’s outfitters has remained empty since closing in 2022, despite numerous attempts to market the premises to retailers, with planning officers noting “the role of the town centre is evolving.”

“The applicant has submitted evidence from numerous other cases that outline how adult gaming centres do not detrimentally affect the vitality and viability of locations,” said the planning officer’s report.

“Marketing companies have struggled to find a suitable tenant for these premises. If this unit was to remain vacant, it would continue to detract from the viability and vitality of the town centre.”

Noting that the retail market has changed significantly in recent years, due in part to the rise of online shopping, the report added: “Even in primary shopping areas, there has been a greater variety of operations catering to different needs.”

In its submission, Champion Gaming wrote that the AGC will create five full-time jobs and bolster Worksop’s evening economy, observing “this proposed use would reinstate commercial activity at the premises and contribute towards the recovery of the town centre.”