New application seeks to expand late-night leisure in town centre
Plans to open a second 24-hour slot machine arcade in the Cwmbran Centre have been submitted to Torfaen Borough Council, proposing the change of use of a former bank unit at 11 North Walk into an adult gaming venue.
The application, lodged by Gateshead-based Luxury Leisure under its Admiral brand, would see the former Santander branch repurposed as a low-stake adult gaming centre. If approved, it would join existing operators within the shopping centre and extend late-night leisure provision in the heart of Cwmbran.
Luxury Leisure sets out in its paperwork that it runs more than 285 gaming venues across high streets and seaside towns in the UK and is continuing to expand by opening new outlets. The firm says the proposed venue would benefit from the Cwmbran Centre’s "high level of pedestrian footfall during both daytime and evening hours" and would help "maintain the viability of Cwmbran as a retail centre."
"low-stake adult gaming centre"
The operator notes similar leisure and betting uses already occupy space in the centre — including Merkur Slots and bookmakers such as Betfred and Ladbrokes — and points to existing late-night activities that establish a precedent for extended hours. The application highlights the 24-hour JD Gym and the Merkur Slots venue as examples of evening and overnight uses in the shopping centre.
Precedent and local context
Luxury Leisure’s submission draws attention to a previous local planning decision in October 2021 when Torfaen Borough Council granted a change of use so Carousel could operate an adult gaming arcade from a former estate agents within the centre. The application argues Carousel has operated "without adverse impact on local amenity," suggesting that a similar outcome would follow with the Admiral unit.
Because the building in question has not previously served as a retail shop, the company contends that converting it to a gaming centre would not "undermine" the retail character of the centre and could instead help maintain a broader mix of uses which supports footfall throughout the day and into the evening.
Operational safeguards and restrictions
The proposal specifies the venue would be for adults only, admitting customers aged 18 and over, and would be staffed by a minimum of two employees at all times. The application also states that alcohol would not be served or consumed on site and that the centre would operate in line with relevant gaming legislation and licensing requirements.
- Location: Former Santander branch, 11 North Walk, Cwmbran Centre
- Operator: Luxury Leisure (Admiral brand)
- Proposed hours: 24 hours, seven days a week
- Staffing: Minimum two employees on site at all times
- Age restriction: 18+
Local residents and town centre businesses will be able to respond to the planning consultation while council planners assess whether the change of use is acceptable in this location. The operator’s case rests on preserving footfall and matching neighbouring leisure uses, whereas opponents could raise concerns about late-night activity and its impact on local amenity.
| Existing operator | Hours |
|---|---|
| Merkur Slots | 24-hour |
| Carousel | Until 7pm, six days a week |
| Proposed Admiral venue | 24-hour (proposed) |
As with any planning application for a change of use, the council will weigh the potential economic benefits of a new high-street operator against the social and environmental effects. The application emphasises that the centre already contains a mix of evening leisure offers and bookmakers, and suggests permissions previously granted provide a planning precedent for endorsing gaming uses here.
For Cwmbran residents, the proposal raises familiar questions about the future character of the town centre: whether increased late-night leisure will boost trade for surrounding businesses and encourage more visitors, or whether it will create challenges for daytime retail, policing and community amenity. The consultation period will provide an opportunity for people in the town to make their views known before a decision is reached.
