High street gambling chain Merkur has filed new proposals to Hastings Borough Council, seeking approval to open an Adult Gaming Centre on Queens Road. If greenlit, the venue would operate 24 hours a day, reviving a familiar debate in the seaside town about gambling, retail decline, and town centre regeneration.
Merkur’s Bid to Enter Hastings Market
The new application marks the second attempt by Merkur to establish a base in Hastings. Back in 2022, the company won approval for another site nearby after a planning inspector overturned the council’s refusal. Yet, despite gaining the green light, Merkur never moved ahead with that project.
This time, the operator has identified a vacant shopfront further along Queens Road. Plans show the unit being converted into a gaming arcade, with requests also submitted for exterior alterations. A company spokesperson said the proposals would “protect and enhance the vitality and viability of this part of the town centre.”
If granted permission, it would be the brand’s first official site in Hastings. That matters for Merkur, which has spent years steadily increasing its presence in smaller towns as well as larger urban centres.
The Noise Question Still Lingers
One of the trickiest points for council planners is noise. Above the site are residential flats, and concerns about disturbance have been raised in the past.
A planning inspector reviewing the earlier 2022 case suggested strict conditions to limit sound impact. Merkur has now said those same conditions could be applied again.
The operator insists it has “a track record of running safe, well-managed venues across the UK.” But critics are wary. For some, assurances are never enough when late-night operations are involved.
Economic Argument: Boost or Burden?
Supporters of the scheme argue it will bring fresh life to a struggling part of the town. Hastings, like many coastal towns, has seen retail decline accelerate over the past decade. Vacant shop units are now a familiar sight.
Merkur’s claim that the arcade could add to “vitality” taps into that debate. Yet opinions are split. While some see the reuse of empty units as a win, others worry gambling outlets create social costs that outweigh their economic benefit.
Here’s how employment and spend figures are often pitched in cases like this:
| Factor | Estimated Impact by AGCs |
|---|---|
| Direct local jobs created | 6–12 roles per venue |
| Average annual spend per customer | £1,200–£1,800 |
| Contribution to business rates | £50,000–£75,000 per year |
Figures vary, of course, but they give a snapshot of why operators argue their case. Councils weighing these numbers must balance short-term gain against long-term social pressures.
Local Response: Divided Voices
Reaction in Hastings has already been mixed. Some residents welcome the idea of bringing activity to an empty storefront. Others point to concerns around gambling addiction, crime perception, and how 24-hour venues may change the character of the street.
One shopkeeper on Queens Road described the plans as “better than another boarded-up shop.” A nearby resident, however, worried aloud about “noise, strangers hanging about, and the wrong kind of footfall.”
The council now faces the task of sifting through public responses before making a decision. With Hastings having previously turned down Merkur before being overturned on appeal, the latest application is shaping up to be contentious again.
What Happens Next
The council will open the application to consultation, giving residents and businesses a chance to submit comments. After that, planning officers will prepare a recommendation, with the final decision resting with Hastings Borough Council.
Merkur, for its part, is keeping a low public profile beyond its official statement. The company’s argument is that gaming arcades bring employment, investment, and footfall—while opponents maintain they bring risks to vulnerable communities.
The outcome of this application will say much about Hastings’ priorities: whether it leans toward economic revival at any cost, or if the social questions surrounding gambling weigh too heavily to approve another venue.
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