WH Smith in Bridgwater closed in 2024. Picture: Google

Plans for 24-hour gaming centre in centre of Bridgwater revealed

Paul JonesFebruary 12, 20260 Comment0

THE former WH Smith store in Bridgwater could become a 24-hour adult gaming centre, if plans are approved.

Gaming centre operator East Kent Leasing Limited, owned by the Godden family, has taken on the lease of 14-15 Cornhill and applied for permission to change the use of the premises and open a 24-hour Palace Amusements.

A licence has been secured for the premises, the application said, with “no concerns raised by Somerset Council or Avon & Somerset Police during the licensing application process”.

However, the plans have been slammed by Bridgwater Town Council, whose Planning Committee unanimously opposed the proposal, claiming it had “not been adequately marketed for retail use”, and “questioned the suitability of a gaming centre in an area already known for anti-social behaviour” and “expressed frustration that Avon & Somerset Police had not been consulted”.

The town council response to the application said: “Objection due to concerns over a potential rise in anti-social behaviour, it would be useful to see comments made from the police, and beneficial to see the property on the market for longer to seek alternative occupiers.”

A Palace Amusements venue in Luton. Picture: Google

But as part of the planning application to change the use of the site, the applicant said the firm runs gaming sites across the UK without issue.

“No premises have previously had any issues related to crime and disorder nor has the Applicant ever been subject to a licence review by either the police or local licensing authority,” the application said.

And a letter from Duncan Brown, a partner at marketing agent for the site Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH), included in the application said there had been no retail interest in the property.

“All in all, the building has been vacant for over 18 months, since shortly after WH Smith served notice on March 25, 2024,” it said.

“After an extensive marketing campaign during which the only viable interest was received from gambling operators, and no offers from any parties wishing to use it for retail purposes, we exchanged contracts with Godden Gaming.

“The property has received full exposure to the market over this extended period.”

A security, crime prevention and social responsibility statement is also included in the planning application, which says Godden Gaming organisation venues are “designed to reduce crime occurring within the premises or directly outside the premises”.

WH Smith in Bridgwater closed in 2024. Picture: Google

“Most of our venues are in prominent town/city centre locations and appeal to a wide demographic of clientele, ranging from young professionals through to a more elderly, often-retired customer base by providing a modern high street environment and an alternative to ageing casinos and bookmakers,” it said.

More than 60% of the firm’s customers are “aged 40+2, it went on, with 50% of the customer base being female.

“It is therefore not only our responsibility to ensure our premises offer a safe environment for our customers, but business-critical for the organisation,” the statement added.

CCTV would cover the premises, it went on, with design steps taken to increase safety and security.

The plans will now be considered by Somerset Council. For more details, and to comment on the scheme, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 08/25/00215.