A graphic showing people playing on retro games such as pinball issued by the company behind the plan for a new video games arcade in Taunton — Image caption,

The arcade would also have a bar serving drinks

Daniel Mumby

Local Democracy Reporter

Plants for a new retro games arcade will bring a “bit of nostalgia” to Taunton if approved, a developer says.

Continue Arcades wants to turn vacant retail units in East Street into the new games centre in time for Christmas.

Austin Wood, who owns the Plymouth-based arcade company, has applied to Somerset Council for planning permission.

A representative of Mr Wood said the proposal would be “a popular option for families, teens, date night couples and those looking for a bit of nostalgia”.

If approved, the arcade would be open daily between 11:30 BST and 23:00 BST except for Sundays, when it will open between 11:00 BST and 21:00 BST, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Punters would pay £12 to enter the arcade and then play on the games with “no time limits, restrictions, or additional costs”.

Image source, Continue Arcades Ltd

Image caption,

The arcade is proposed for an empty retail unit in Taunton town centre

A spokesman for James Wells Planning, representing the applicant, said: “The change of use is proposed, covering the ground floor, to enable video gaming uses with an ancillary bar serving drinks.

“The proposal will bring a new entertainment use to a vacant unit in a prominent position within the town centre.

“This type of use aims to diversify the role of the town centre in being a destination for leisure activities.”

Mr Wood has not confirmed how many new jobs will be created as a result of the new arcade.