Aberdeen’s £1m Arcadia Bar and Games venue will open within days after being approved by the council.
City businessman Jack Codona launched the plans for the closed Espionage nightclub last summer.
Its transformation will capitalise on the growing “competitive socialisation” trend, and work has been ramping up in recent weeks.
It is poised to breathe new life into one of Union Street’s many empty buildings.
What’s the latest with new Aberdeen Arcade Bar and Games venue?
Now, Mr Codona has now been given planning permission for the series of changes needed to reopen the building as the new Arcade Bar and Games destination.
And an opening date of Friday, March 3, has been confirmed.
Design images sent to Aberdeen City Council show how new lighting would illuminate the classical building on the corner with Back Wynd.
The freshly endorsed planning application promises a “full redecoration” of the premises.
And blueprints offer a glimpse into how the renovated venue could look.
The “minor changes” include the removal of two bars – and addition of an array of games machines.
The first floor would have a large bar with its own Big Manny’s Pizza servery next to the dancefloor, though council planners are demanding an extract system be fitted.
A DJ booth in the corner would be close to three 8ft pool tables, while nearby there would be 16 “retro video game cabinets”.
What games will there be?
There would be “giant” Pac-Man and Space Invaders arcade games for those eager to relive their childhoods on a night out.
And three large “skee ball” machines would be lined up against the wall, near a Guitar Hero platform and dancing stage.
There would also be four pinball machines, and an air hockey table.
The planning papers list there being basketball booths and a Pac-Man Battle Royale table too.
They also specify Big Buck Hunter, Skill Cut, Golden Gun, Mario Kart and Time Crisis arcade games.
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What will the drinks selection be like?
Bespoke cocktails will be provided by 10 Dollar Shake, while Fierce Beer will be on draught and
Owners added that it will be “entirely cashless”.
General manager Gillian Gallan says Arcadia will “bring something entirely different to the bar scene in Aberdeen”.
She added: “Best of all, we’re bringing it to Union Street specifically.
“We hope that we can help to be part of the reinvigoration of Union Street that many have been hoping for.”
Changes will ‘enhance Union Street’
The 120 Union Street building dates back to 1836, and operated as Queens Cinema from 1912 to 1981.
Andy Baxter, director of Dundee-based architects Nicoll Russell Studios, says the proposed lighting scheme will “enhance the period frontage and be a vibrant addition to the character of Union Street”.
Councillors recently heard of hopes it could open early in 2023.
The venue’s owners say their plans were inspired by “barcade” sites in America.
Operations manager Jack Codona told us: “It’s going to be a bar and entertainment destination with an urban street feel.”
You can see the latest plans here.
Conversation