Council refuses permit for 'gambling arcade' in Derry city centre

A Belfast-based company has this afternoon been refused permission to open what has been described as a “gambling arcade” in Derry city centre.

Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Environmental Committee unanimiously refused to grant Oasis Retail a permit for an amusement arcade on Shipquay Street.

The company is seeking to install up to 70 gaming machines at a unit (pictured) in the Richmond Centre which was formerly occupied by Dunnes Stores.

The unit, which fronts on to Shipquay Street, has lain empty for the past 13 years.

Today’s meeting was told by the Council’s Licensing Officer, Shaun Austin, that a petition against the development containing more than 4,000 signatures – 45 pages – had been received.

Describing the proposed arcade as a “gambling arcade,” Independent Councillor Gary Donnelly said it was to be located in an area of the Richmond Centre frequented by young people.

Referring to the fact that Council is due to strike its annual rate tomorrow, Sinn Fein Councillor Eric Mcginley said he was “not sure” it was the type of business Council should be supporting in the city centre.

Council officials will now write to Oasis Retail informing them of the decision – they have 14 days to appeal.