Luxury Leisure has submitted plans to convert a former butchers in North Shields into a new Admiral, providing councillors with data that documents the positive impact AGCs have on local business footfall.

If plans are approved by North Tyneside Council, the Collingwood Centre site would be renovated and reopened in the new year, creating nine jobs and securing the use of the otherwise vacant retail unit.

“The proposal would secure the use of this commercial building,” said a statement submitted by property agency Bradley Hall. “Its future is currently uncertain since the premises became vacant, and there is very limited anticipated interest in retail use of the premises in the current retailing climate.”

“The development would also provide investment in jobs (circa nine full-time equivalent jobs to be created) and would provide a high-quality and accessible working environment with excellent staff facilities.”

Reporting on the application, the Chronicle wrote: “Bradley Hall’s submissions also state that if approved, the new unit would prevent further long term vacancy of the unit and benefit the area in terms of footfall.”

“Data from a survey of Admiral customers in 2019 found that while 25 percent of customers stated that their intention was only to visit the gambling facility, 50 percent of those went on to visit neighbouring shops.”