Kingston residents have criticised proposals to convert the former Wilko site on Clarence Street into a ‘late-night entertainment centre’ with an arcade.
A copy of the planning application, which has been submitted to Kingston Council, has been stuck to the window of the site for several weeks.
But the plans picked up attention over the last week they were circulated online, where reactions have been largely negative.
If approved, the new venue could host a cinema, live music, dance, indoor sporting events, and arcade-style games.
Some residents said there was little or no demand for the business, pointing out there is already an arcade & bowling facilities and cinema in The Rotunda building.
“[This is] definitely not what the area needs or what local neighbours want”, said Andree Grindlay, who lives nearby.
Image: The former Wilko site on Clarence Street
Calls made for a ‘better’ use of the site
Some residents lamented for what they described as the declining state of the high street, hoping the site would be turned into something more useful for residents.
Sarah Betts said another general store would be welcome rather than another arcade. She said: “Another shop like Wilko where you can get everything in one place [would be preferable]. Now you have to keep travelling around to get stuff because it’s not local and more expensive.”
Several other residents agreed and wanted to see a general or home store such as B&M, The Range, Dunelm or Home Bargains.
“It may also have been good as a bigger children’s indoor soft play space with café and food areas,” said Hannah Gubby. “The area is more than big enough and there are so many children in town and lots of overcrowding at other places.”
Others were broadly supportive of the plan. Local Jon Tolly wished the new venture well. “Wilko closed because it went into administration. People trying to wish another comparable store into this site don’t understand market forces or the high street in 2024,” he said. “The high street is changing, and as we know its more about experiences than buying commodities. Because we, yes all of us, are buying so much more online.”
Others said they would like to see the site turned into a children’s indoor play area, ice skating or rollerblading rink or an indoor pool.
Image: Funbox Entertainment has 15 sites across the UK and Germany (Credit: Google Maps)
New site would be 15th Funbox Entertainment branch in UK
The applicant, Funbox Entertainment, which operates 16 sites across the UK and Germany, hope Kingston will be where they open their latest branch, named ‘Urban Fun’.
The proposed opening hours are from 10am until midnight Sunday – Wednesday, and 10am until 1am Thursday- Saturday.
If approved, alcohol will also be available on site from 12pm-1am Wednesday – Sunday and 12pm-1am Thursday – Saturday.
Late night food and drink will be available from 11pm-12am Wednesday – Sunday and 11pm-1am Thursday- Saturday.
Wilko closed down in August 2023 after the company went into administration and was forced to close 26 sites in London.
Representations are still being accepted for the planning application. No date is set for when the application will be considered.
