Gambling Chain Puts Forward Plans For Hastings Location

Plans have been lodged to open a new gambling arcade in Hastings town centre.

High street gambling chain Merkur Slots has submitted an application to Hastings Borough Council to convert a vacant shop at 209–210 Queens Road into an Adult Gaming Centre (AGC).

If approved, the venue could operate 24 hours a day.

The company has also applied separately for external alterations and signage.

A spokesman for Merkur Slots said the proposals would “bring back a vacant unit into beneficial use,” adding that the scheme would deliver economic benefits and “protect and enhance the vitality and viability” of the town centre.

Merkur Slots does not currently have a presence in Hastings but previously gained planning approval for another Queens Road site, after councillors’ refusal in 2022 was overturned on appeal.

Although that proposal did not go ahead, the company says lessons from the planning inspector’s ruling — including conditions on noise — could be applied to the new application.

The firm argues its venues generate minimal disturbance, with no tannoy systems and only low-level background music. It says late-night customers typically include shift workers rather than large groups.

As well as planning permission, Merkur Slots will also require an Adult Gaming Centre licence before the site can open.

Full details can be viewed on the Hastings Borough Council website under application reference HS/FA/25/00401.