Plans for a new 24-hour gambling centre on a South East London high street are facing strong opposition from local residents. Bexley Council received an application to convert the former HSBC bank unit at 83 Sidcup High Street into an adult gaming centre (AGC) on May 27.
The unit has remained vacant since the HSBC branch closed its doors in 2022. The proposal has since attracted 75 objections, with no letters of support as of June 10.
The application was lodged by Merkur Slots, a company that operates more than 220 AGCs across the UK, typically located on high streets and housing slot and arcade machines. Planning documents confirm Merkur's intention for the Sidcup centre to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Merkur said the new Sidcup AGC would bring a vacant high street unit into use which would “enhance the vitality and viability of Sidcup District Centre, including its evening economy” as well as generate 12 jobs.
The documents state: “Merkur Slots premises are popular amongst both males and females, and the customer base after midnight is predominately the local entertainment workforce and shift workers who like to relax after their busy shifts. Merkur Slots customers tend to visit on their own or in couples – large groups are rare due to the offer and layout of the AGCs.”
As part of the plans, Merkur intends to install acoustic perimeter seals around the shopfront door frame to prevent sound from escaping. The gambling company did state that noise levels from its 24-hour Merkur Slots venues are “generally very low and impacts on disturbance to surrounding uses are effectively mitigated and minimal”.
It will also put televisions in the unit’s windows to advertise details of the gaming machines on offer inside the AGC.
Bexley Council’s public consultation on the Merkur Slots application will close on June 16, with its neighbour consultation ending on June 23. The South East London authority will aim to make a decision by July 22. The plans can be seen on the council’s planning portal at reference 26/01054/FUL.
The gambling centre would be next door to Sidcup’s new Banking Hub which opened in April. The Hub – which is operated by Royal Mail and caters to customers from different banks and building societies – gave hope to Sidcup residents after Santander, the last remaining bank branch on the high street, closed its doors for the final time last August.
