UK arcade operator Ablethird, based in Milton Keyes, plans to open a third amusement arcade in a former Woolwich building society building, which is placed at the entrance to the Grosvenor Centre in Northampton.
However, the application has been met with concern by town leaders Councillor Tony Woods of the Liberal Democrats and Councillor Keith Davies of the Labour party.
"There’s Costa, Thornton’s and a nice clothes shop on the other corners of that crossroads, so I think we need something quality in the empty store and I don’t think an amusement arcade really fits in with that," Woods said.
Davies added: "As a town we need to attract quality shops and I don’t think they’ll come if we have more and more of these amusement arcades."
Ablethird has, however, said it will close its current branch located in the centre of Abington Street, Northampton, if it is allowed to open next to the Grosvenor Centre.
"We are not aware of any evidence that amusement centres of this type have an adverse affect on pedestrian flow," said the company in document submitted to the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation. "The use provides a vital and dynamic service, attracting as many or more shoppers than the average shop.
"It would have an attractive appearance and would do nothing to diminish the vitality and attractiveness of this part of the centre."
A final decision on the scheme is expected later in the year.
