Brighton church conversion given thumbs up

Plans to transform a Brighton church into a gaming events centre have been approved. The application was lodged by an organisation for gamers based in the city, which is set to relocate from a nearby industrial estate.The property at 88 London Road was last in use as a church in 2006. Between 2012 and 2016 it was in use as a theatre and cafe, although this was unauthorised.The plans for its change of use from place of worship to retail/assembly and leisure were put forward by gaming company Dice Saloon, which specialises in gaming accessories and gaming events.Dice Saloon is currently based on Longley Industrial Estate. Its lease expired at the end of March 2020 after permission was granted for the estate to be redeveloped into 201 dwellings and commercial space.Events would take place at the new London Road centre every day of the week.The former church would be converted into an events space, while the rear of the building would become a PC gaming area. There will also be a card game seating area.The offices on the first and second floors of the building will remain the same.Brighton & Hove City Council planners said the proposed change of use “is considered to positively contribute to the primary frontage of the London Road Town Centre, improving the vitality of the area and encouraging combined trips to existing uses”.