IRVINE’S Rivergate Mall is set get a new amusements arcade, the Times can reveal.

Planning bosses at North Ayrshire Council approved an application from Clyde Leisure last week for the amusements outlet to open in a vacant slot in the mall.

The arcade, 'Jackpots Too’ will take up Unit 5 which was formerly the Trophy Centre - and sits near the Bridgegate entrance of the shopping centre and has stood vacant for five years, since November 2009.

Following a neighbour notification process, one objection was received.

The objection claimed that the arcade would “add no value” to the Rivergate and stated there was already a similar facility within the town centre, as well as a Gala Bingo.

But Clyde Leisure said: “While there is one other amusement arcade on High Street, some 200m away, this is not considered an over-provision of this type of facility in the context of the wider town centre. Gala Bingo provides a different experience and is arguably aimed at a different clientele and is not therefore considered to be a comparator.

“There is a significant concentration of empty units at this end of the shopping centre and the proposal is supported by the Mall owners as a suitable solution for a difficult to let unit.” Martin Ferrie, project manager for Clyde Leisure, added: “Clyde Leisure has a long experience of providing this kind of activity inside main-mall shopping environments. We pride ourselves in being innovative and ethical operators and are confident that we can provide an entertainment activity centre that will be an asset to the centre and fully complaint with the local authority criteria for change of use.” Despite the objection planning bosses approved the application on the proviso that the company have their shop front approved by council chiefs, “To ensure that the external appearance of the premises is appropriate to the surroundings, in the interest of visual amenity.”