The landlord of the Barcode in Plymouth has applied for the change of use of a vacant ground floor retail unit to accommodate a new amusement arcade operated by Claw City.

If approved, the arcade will join a multiscreen cinema, competitive socialising bars, and restaurants in the 95,000 sq ft leisure development, located in the city’s Drake Circus.

“The proposed amusement arcade will support and complement the entertainment and leisure offer at the Barcode and contribute to the vitality and viability of the City Centre by increasing footfall compared to the currently vacant unit,” states the submission.

“The use sits comfortably within, and is consistent with, the use of the overall Site as a leisure and entertainment destination.”

The plans, submitted by Drake Circus Leisure Ltd, seek the change of use from Class E to Sui Generis amusement arcade and/or Class E use, which would allow for retail use, restaurants, gyms and offices, if Claw City vacates the site.

“No external alterations are proposed to the existing building and as such, there are no visual or amenity impacts generated from this proposal.”

The Barcode opened in 2019, and has since become a major draw for visitors to Drake Circus, featuring a Spinners clay shooting bar, Paradise Island Adventure Golf, and Boom Battle Bar.