DOZENS of arcade machines could be installed at a new bowling alley and mini-golf centre being built at a £50 million leisure complex.

Colchester Council’s licensing sub-committee will decide whether to grant The Original Bowling Company a gaming machine permit for the Northern Gateway development.

The firm is set to open both a Hollywood Bowl bowling alley and a Puttstars mini-golf facility at the site, located just off the A12 near the Colchester United stadium.

If the plan is approved, 40 new machines would be located in both units.

A total of 35 in each unit would be category D machines, which can be played by people of all ages and have a maximum stake of 10p.

Five in each unit would be category C machines, which are only suitable for over 18s.

A report which went before the licensing committee said: “A licensed premises gaming machine permit lasts indefinitely, and there is no renewal provision.

“A permit continues in force for as long as the premises has an alcohol licence held by the permit holder.”

The firm has already been granted a premises licence which could mean late-night mini-golf and bowling are on offer at the Northern Gateway site.

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The licence allows the firm to play films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, and host performances of dance indoors between 9am and 1.30am Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday hours would be extended to 9.00am and 3am.

Late night refreshments can also be served between 11pm and 2am Sunday to Thursday and 11pm to 3.30am Friday and Saturday.

The Northern Gateway leisure complex features a 12-screen Cineworld cinema with Superscreen and 4DX capabilities, seven restaurants, three leisure units - mini-golf, bowling and a climbing centre - and two drive-thru eateries.

A 90-bed Travelodge hotel is planned as well as a 750-space car park.