Southampton City Council has approved plans to create a new arcade on the second in a former fabric shop in Above Bar Street, stating the venue would “bring life back into a currently vacant and inactive unit within the city centre.”

Proposals for Legend Arcade were submitted in August, with the gaming venue set to occupy two stories above a new Blue Whale Oriental Mart on the ground floor, with planners only objecting to the amount of LED tube lighting suggested for the fascia.

“Although the change of use of the building to a shop and games arcade would be supported in principle, the proposed advertising mechanisms and the installation of bright neon signage/lighting over two floors would create an unwelcome and harsh visual intrusion into the street scene,” stated the planning officer’s response.

“[It] would have a detrimental impact on the wider setting, and views out of the adjacent park, particularly at night.”

The new arcade will bring the site back into use between 11am and 8.30pm every day, with the report adding that the building will once again “provide a service to members of the public,” while presenting “no significant adverse impact to neighbouring residents.”