A new adult gaming centre will soon open in Ipswich after the decision to refuse permission was overturned. 

The new gaming space will be created at the former Hughes building in Upper Brook Street in the town centre, which has been vacant for the last two years. 

Luxury Leisure had been seeking permission to open an adult gaming centre in Ipswich town centre since the summer of 2022. 

The initial planning application to open another gaming centre at the site was primarily refused by Ipswich Borough Council – however, the applicant appealed the decision. 

An inspector appointed by the Secretary of State said that the proposal “would have a positive effect on the vitality and viability of the central shopping area” of the town and granted permission to set up another adult gaming centre in Ipswich. 

Ipswich Star: Luxury Leisure is part of Novomatic UK Ltd, which operates under the Admiral brand across Europe, Admiral Luxury Leisure is part of Novomatic UK Ltd, which operates under the Admiral brand across Europe, Admiral (Image: Admiral)

The approval was granted with the condition that the centre would be open only between the hours of 7am and midnight, not 24 hours as the original plans covered. 

Details of noise levels and any proposed noise mitigation from gaming machines should be approved by the local planning authority before the opening of the centre. 

Luxury Leisure is part of Novomatic UK Ltd, which operates under the Admiral brand across Europe.

The company has more than 250 venues in the UK.   

The centre, which will be situated next door to a Coral betting shop at 5 Upper Brook Street, is set to create six full-time and six part-time jobs. 

Luxury Leisure said it enforced a range of best-practice measures across its gaming centres to mitigate anti-social behaviour.   

These included a ‘Think 25’ age policy, extensive training for staff and keeping players informed about the risks of problem gambling.