Retro 70s and 80s video games 'arcade' leisure plan for former Sheffield gym site
Plans have been drawn up to bring old-style video games like Pacman and Space Invaders back to Sheffield
A former Sheffield gym would be transformed into a family entertainment venue if plans get the go-ahead.
It would be focused around retro-video games of the sort that used to be played at old style amusement arcades, like Storeys, near The Moor, back in the 80s.
But rather than having to put 10p coins into the machine each time they play, the venue would see visitors pay up front to get in, and then they would be able to play on whatever they wanted as part of that fee.
Barnsley-based business Retrodome has applied to Sheffield Council to ask for a certificate of lawfulness of proposed use for the scheme, because they don’t think they need to change the planning permission for the building.
A planning consultant’s report with the application said the company wanted to use the building for a ‘family entertainment centre’.
It stated: “The applicants have a business in Barnsley named Retrodome. The applicants intend to repeat their Retrodome business model at Allen Street and it would become their second venue.
“Retrodome is a family entertainment centre where people pay a fee to enter the building to allow them to play on gaming machines for free. This business does not have any coin entry machines or gambling machines on site, except for two bandits within the bar area.”
It added: “The machines include arcade machines, pinball and air hockey. Whilst their business has diversified over the years to include modern games machines, many of their gaming machines could be considered to be vintage gaming machines, hence the inclusion of ‘Retro’ in their business name.”
The owners of the venue in Barnsley say that their visitors are principally friends and families who are there for recreation and spending time together.
They add that it also attracts organised school trips and community groups such as scouts and football clubs. Visitors can spend several hours at the centre.
The Sheffield plans would see the venue serve food, as well as have a bar on the site.