PERMISSION is being sought to convert a former bank in the centre of Bournemouth into an arcade.

J Holland & Sons, which runs several similar adult gaming centres across the country, has applied for planning permission to reconfigure the RBS unit in Old Christchurch Road.

It said the business, which would host a mix of gambling and gaming machines, would “contribute towards the vibrancy and vitality” of the town centre.

The branch, opposite the former Beales department store building, closed in 2019 after it said transactions had “more than halved” since 2012.

And BCP Council has already approved the conversion of the building’s upper floors from offices into flats.

But now plans have been submitted by J Holland & Sons, which already runs an outlet in Weymouth, to open an adult-only gaming centre from the ground floor.

The business would host a series of gambling and gaming machines which award tickets rather than cash prizes, to limit the need to store cash on-site, and would open from 9am until 9pm seven days a week.

Eight full-time and four part-time jobs would be created, the plans say.

The planning application has been submitted because the building is listed and seeks permission to carry out internal alterations and to bring the building’s rear doors back into public use.

“The proposed use would occupy a vacant unit in an area which is progressively seeing more and more empty shop units, especially with the loss of Beales department store directly opposite the site,” a statement filed with its application says.

“As such, the proposed adult gaming centre would contribute towards the vibrancy and vitality of Old Christchurch Road, offering a wider range of services and facilities for the public.”

It adds that the “wet weather attraction” would also boost the town’s offering for tourists and residents year-round.

Council planning officers will consider the proposals in the coming months.