A vacant bank on Soho Road is soon to be transformed into an adult gaming centre. (C: Alan Evans)

A vacant bank on Soho Road in Handsworth, could be opened as an adult gaming centre following recommendation for approval of the plans by Brimingham City Council. Unlike casino locations, gaming centres in the UK typically focus on gaming machines such as slots, rather than table games like poker or blackjack.

Police Raise Concerns Over Anti-Social Behaviour 

West Midlands Police have raised concerns that the establishment of an adult gaming centre could exacerbate local issues, such as loitering, alcohol abuse, and anti-social behaviour. 

The location is near Waverhill Park, which has been reported to experience high volumes of drug usage, street drinking, and loitering, raising concerns that the gaming centre could attract similar problems. 

Local authorities and the Soho Road Neighbourhood Team expressed worry that the gaming centre might increase the vulnerabilities of individuals with existing alcohol and drug addictions, leading them to engage in problematic behaviour. 

There are ongoing concerns about high levels of anti-social behaviour in the area, which the council report acknowledges, indicating that integrating a gaming centre might complicate efforts to mitigate these issues. 

The council report emphasises that the site’s lower level relative to the main road could encourage groups to loiter, potentially leading to an increase in anti-social behaviour. 

There is a PSPO in place aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour on Soho Road, which could be challenged by the introduction of the gaming centre in the vicinity.