German gambling behemoth Gauselmann Group has unveiled plans that could soon see a vacant site near the center of the southwestern Scottish town of Ayr transformed into a Merkur Slots-branded adults-only gaming center.

The envisioned project for the ground floor of 244-246 High Street is currently ‘pending consideration’ by South Ayrshire Council with Ayrshire Live detailing that a final decision is expected by the middle of next month.

Established Entity

Should councillors approve the proposal for the site of a small café that has been closed since March of 2020, the new 24-hour establishment would be run by Gauselmann Group’s Merkur Slots Limited subsidiary and feature a range of slot machines offering instant jackpots of up to £500 ($636).

Merkur Slots Limited is already responsible for over 200 slot parlors spread across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, including venues in the Scottish cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen. For its part, Espelkamp-headquartered Gauselmann Group stated that it has specialized in the ‘delivery of safe gambling entertainment experiences’ since 1957 and regularly records annual turnover in excess of £2.2 billion ($2.8 billion).

Active Agent

Harrogate-based Planning Potential lodged the change-of-use proposal on behalf of Gauselmann Group and revealed its client would moreover like to make ‘minor external rectification works’ to the front of the class 3 unit situated just 500 yards from Ayr’s train station. The planning firm went on to describe adult gaming centers as ‘typically operating 24 hours’ and that such a business would complement an area already home to ‘an established night-time economy notably comprising restaurants, bars and pubs’.

“Given the context of the site there will be no significant adverse impacts provided the rectification works to the property are implemented,” Planning Potential wrote. “The unit is vacant and the change of use would not compromise the vitality and viability of the city center.”

Current Competition

Planning Potential additionally believes its application is warranted as Ayr’s High Street is already home to an Admiral Casino-branded adult gaming center from Austrian operator Novomatic. The company declared the approval of its client’s proposal would furthermore allow for the rejuvenation of a vacant unit ‘which has not been contributing to the local economy’ so as to bring ‘significant benefits to this part of the town center’.

“Like any other retailer/leisure operator, key factors such as footfall, competitive presence, demand and overall cost of running an outlet help operators decide where to open new premises,” Planning Potential attested. “Therefore, the change of use in this instance will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the diverse economic mix within Ayr.”