Playland Amusements on Swanage seafront is set to disappear after 90 years, as the 4,000 sq ft venue is placed on the market for £500,000, complete with a covenant restricting its use as an amusement arcade in the future.
Playland Amusements in Swanage has been placed on the market for £500,000, bringing to a close more than 90 years of continual operation, and marking the end of arcade attractions on the town’s Stone Quay.
The L-shaped premises offers “exceptional” views over the bay as well as entrances on both the High Street and seafront, and is being marketed by estate agents as ripe for use as a retail unit or cafe.
“This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire exceptionally spacious commercial premises in the heart of the town centre within 50 metres of the Old Stone Quay and town square, and only slightly further from the Pier, seafront and beach,” said a spokesperson. “It has arched windows providing an exceptional aspect with views over the bay.”
“With an impressive total floor area of 4,273 sq ft, in our opinion the building has considerable potential for use as a combined retail outlet and cafe or restaurant, subject to the necessary planning consent.”
Playland is currently owned and operated by J Holland and Sons, but has been a feature on the town’s seafront for at least 90 years, with photographs in the adjoining Swanage Museum showing families using the arcade as far back as 1934.
“Its planning class category is Sui Generis – a term for a land use so unique that it doesn’t fit into any standard class, but because it stands alone any change of use almost always requires full planning permission,” added Corbens.
“Whilst it is currently operating as an amusement arcade, there will be a restrictive covenant preventing this use in the future.”
Playland ends 90 years on the front
Acting agent said… “This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire exceptionally spacious commercial premises in the heart of the town centre within 50 metres of the Old Stone Quay and town square, and only slightly further from the Pier, seafront and beach…
