24-hour bingo and adult gaming centre moves to bigger site in Bilston

Playland Amusements, currently at number 91 Church Street, was granted planning permission to open up business at number 95 Church Street, previously home to fashion retail shop Cube.

Playland Amusement Centres Ltd – which operates 11 branches across the Midlands – said the new unit lends itself to a ‘better customer experience’ than at number 91, which will now become available as a retail unit.

The new development will boost job opportunities in the town. While the current premises has one full-time staff member, the new premises will need five full-time and four part-time staff members to run operations.

With Betfred, Ladbrokes, William Hill and Admiral Casino just a stone’s throw from the site, punters are spoilt for choice when it comes to Bilston town centre.

Wolverhampton Council said the number of gambling premises already on Church Street ‘raised concern’ but stated the relocation wouldn’t result in an increase in premises.

Planning officers said: “This part of Church Street does already have a number of similar uses, which did raise concern with respect to the vitality and vibrancy of this part of Bilston Centre.

“However, on closer inspection the use would work similarly to the existing usage at No. 95 Church Street, which will, as conditioned, cease to trade under its existing usage, and revert back to a retail usage under Class E, which will maintain the balance as existing.

"Therefore, subject to the condition, the detriment would not be significant enough to warrant a refusal of permission."

Report by Local Democracy Reporter Rachel Alexander