Lordsdale Estates Holdings has submitted plans to Chichester District Council to convert a pub on the city’s Market Road which has been vacant for ten years into a new AGC.

The Bull Inn closed in 2015, and though it was refurbished in 2023 has received “no interest” from buyers, with the proposed gaming centre set to revitalise the Victorian building.

“In addition to providing new and sustainable investment in the premises, the proposed adult gaming centre will contribute footfall to other local businesses and will create five full-time new jobs for the local community,” said a planning statement.

“This proposal will enhance the vitality, viability and commercial character of this part of Market Road.”

If successful, Lordsdale will lease the unit to its subsidiary Cassamo Holdings, which operates the company’s four existing Cassino AGCs in Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Worthing.

“All operate without any complaints of noise, nuisance, crime or disorder,” added the application, 

Commenting on the application, a spokesperson for retail and leisure surveyor Robert Bebington and Company said: “Following one year’s marketing my conclusion is the unit is not conducive to its current planning use and the change to sui generis adult gaming centre will mean the premises is once again occupied and brought back into use and a benefit to the city.”