New 24-hour gaming venue approved for North Walk
Torfaen Borough Council has granted planning permission for a 24-hour adult gaming centre in the Cwmbran Centre, converting the former Santander bank on North Walk into a slot machine arcade. The decision will see a second round-the-clock gambling premises added to a shopping centre where several operators already trade.
The application by Gateshead-based Luxury Leisure was approved despite three formal objections to the change of use. Opponents warned the move would increase the concentration of gambling facilities in the town centre, risk normalising gambling among young people and could intensify antisocial behaviour around the site.
What’s already in the centre
Objectors highlighted the presence of multiple gambling outlets and food outlets in the immediate area. The planning report notes existing operators and opening times, and states the proposal will bring a new 24/7 venue into that mix.
- Merkur Slots — currently operates a 24-hour amusement arcade within the centre.
- Carousel — an arcade that opens until 7pm, six days a week.
- Betfred and Ladbrokes — bookmakers already trading in the town centre.
| Premises | Operator | Hours (reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Former Santander branch, North Walk | Luxury Leisure (approved) | 24/7 (proposed) |
| Amusement arcade | Merkur Slots | 24/7 |
| Carousel arcade | Carousel | Until 19:00, six days a week |
| Betting shops | Betfred, Ladbrokes | Standard betting shop hours |
Concerns from residents and the planning objections
One objection, submitted to the council’s planning department, expressed concern about the concentration of gambling uses and the location of the new arcade close to food outlets frequented by young people. The letter said the proposal would worsen what it described as an "over-concentration of betting/gambling uses" and risked reinforcing "the dingy, dead feeling" in parts of the centre.
"This proposal would worsen the over-concentration of betting/gambling uses already present in Cwmbran town centre... placing an adult gambling venue in such a visible youth-focused area normalises gambling and increases exposure for children and teenagers."
The same correspondent also pointed to proximity to a pub and argued drinkers could be "more vulnerable to impulsive gambling and harm." Two further objections warned a 24-hour operation could disturb nearby residents and "exacerbate anti-social behaviour" by encouraging people to congregate around the premises at all hours.
Planning officer’s stance and what this means for the town
Planning officer Simon Pritchard’s report recommended approval, noting the change of use met the necessary planning tests. The report concluded the proposal would bring another leisure-type use to the centre and did not find sufficient planning grounds to refuse the application.
For Cwmbran, the decision will reopen conversations about the future character of its shopping centre. Supporters of reuse argue vacant units, such as the former bank branch, need active businesses to sustain footfall and vitality. Detractors say the particular mix of uses matters: a high concentration of gambling premises can alter perceptions of safety, family-friendliness and the centre’s appearance.
Local traders, families and community groups will be watching how the new arcade operates if it opens. Questions around management of the site, safeguarding measures to prevent under-18 access and how late-night activity is policed are likely to surface in the weeks ahead. The council will be the point of contact for any enforcement or licensing concerns once the business begins trading.
As Cwmbran’s town centre seeks to recover and reinvent itself, the balance between bringing empty units back into use and shaping a welcoming, diverse retail and leisure offer will remain a live issue for residents and decision-makers alike.
