Gaming centre is set to open after planning appeal

THE COUNCIL INITIALLY REFUSED THE PLANS BUT THIS HAS BEEN OVERTURNED AT APPEAL

- By NIGEL SLATER Local democracy reporter

A NEW adult gaming venue is set to open at a former city centre bank after a long-running planning dispute.

Work is almost complete in converting the former Santander bank on St Peter’s Street into a new “adult gaming centre”.

The building work follows a planning dispute between the owners of the German franchise - Merkur Slots - and Derby City Council over whether it should be allowed to open such premises at that location.

It also comes at a time when the council's chief public health officer has expressed her concern over the number of gambling outlets within close proximity to each other in Derby city centre.

Branding has been put up at the new St Peter’s Street premises’ front window saying “opening soon”.