The owner of a new entertainment venue at Parkgate Shopping Centre is confident it will be granted a licence to sell alcohol, despite traders' concerns that it could attract anti-social behaviour. Nilesh Pandit, who already runs softplay Rainforest Rascals and the ‘Blnded’ cafe in the centre, plans to transform the former Poundland unit into ‘Hideout’, offering electronic darts, shuffle games, arcade games, and sports screenings. The venue would operate daily from 11am to 11pm, with a bar selling alcohol and recorded music.
Trader objections highlight anti-social behaviour fears
Next-door hair and beauty salon Bei Capelli has formally objected to the licence application, stating: “The shopping centre is becoming a playground for youngsters with balaclavas riding through and robbing elderly women of their handbags. We are so worried customers will not return as they are becoming frightened to come to the centre. This new proposal will add more problems and as a business we would have to consider moving out of the area.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) spoke to other traders who wished to remain anonymous but shared similar concerns. They reported increasing numbers of teenagers on bikes, past incidents of smashed shop windows, and overall unhappiness with the planned venue. One trader said: “It is terrible (the youths) are on bikes doing wheelies, and you have electric scooters now weaving around up and down causing chaos. It has got worse over the years and that’s what we are all worried about with the new place - it will be an attraction for them. They are big lads, they will congregate - imagine having to come out of my shop going past that at night.”
Owner defends venue as positive addition
However, Mr Pandit argued that the venue would bring a much-needed attraction to the area. “Shirley desperately needs something and I hope this will bring what people want,” he said. “I know the area, I have been here a long time. With a lot of stuff closing down it is important we give something for people - interactive games, unique things like VR.”
He emphasised that the venue would have security measures in place, including cameras and trained staff. “We have to have security which in turn will help police the area. We will have cameras. We have had incidents (of anti-social behaviour) here in the past, but nothing crazy. Our licence would have to be backed up with the right procedures, trained competent staff. It is the complete opposite situation - this would attract youngsters to this area wanting to do something, to enjoy themselves. If they are wearing balaclavas we wouldn’t let them in. You will have to dress, act and speak correctly.”
The owner, who aims to open before Christmas, added: “It’s one of those situations, you can’t do something great without someone not being happy about it.”
Licensing decision pending
The council’s licensing act panel will make the final decision at a meeting scheduled for July 8 at the Civic Suite. Options include granting the application as applied for, granting it with amendments or additional conditions, or refusing it altogether.
