An empty Gwynedd shop will get a new lease of life as a soft-play facility for children.

Developers say the scheme will bring back an empty retail space back into use, and could help encourage more footfall into the city centre.

Gwynedd Council planners permitted the change of use at Unit 7, at the Menai Centre, Garth Road, Bangor on 13 August.

The application was made by Dafydd Roberts (Cubs Play Centre) through the agent Rhian Jones, DEWIS Architecture.

The unit has been unoccupied for more than 12 months. It was formerly occupied by River Island which closed last March.

Plans say the unit is well-suited to the proposed use, offering “sufficient floor area and internal height to accommodate a high-quality, multi-level soft play installation, alongside seating areas for parents and carers”.

No significant structural works or external alterations are proposed. The soft play equipment will be free-standing, meaning no permanent alterations to the building fabric are required.

It also notes the existing shop front will be retained, with the introduction of new signage only, which will be designed to be sympathetic to the character of the surrounding area and provided in Welsh or bilingually, in accordance with local policy expectations.

Plans add: “Existing ancillary facilities within the unit, including staff areas, kitchen, storage, and toilet provision, will be utilised as part of the proposed use, with minimal modification required.”

The application also noted how Bangor city centre has experienced “a decline in footfall in recent years”.

It said: “The introduction of a family-focused leisure use in a prominent, accessible location will help diversify the city centre and increase visitor numbers.

“The development is expected to attract local families, as well as visitors from further afield, seeking accessible, all-weather leisure activities.

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“This is particularly important given the limited availability of centrally located indoor play facilities in Bangor and the wider area.”