Argos Colchester could become a sports bar under plans

Longwyre Developments Limited is bidding to overhaul the shop in Long Wyre Street which has been vacant for almost two and a half years.

Blueprints submitted to Colchester Council reveal the building’s ground floor would be used for a selection of indoor table games.

These include pool, table tennis and shuffleboard, along with a range of “throwing games” and a designated “game zone”.

Sports bar - the former Argos in Long Wyre Street could become a sports bar (Image: Newsquest)

A bar, kitchen, toilets, office and store room will also be installed if and when the site is kitted out.

New signage will refresh the existing shopfront which the Colchester based developer stated looks “somewhat neglected”.

READ MORE: Colchester town centre Argos closes its doors for good

The site has been empty since it was axed by bosses at Sainsbury’s, which owns Argos, in October 2020 as they cut up to 70 shops from their portfolio across the UK.

A planning statement reads: “The concept of the bar is something relatively new in the UK and new to the city centre as it is more than a regular drinking establishment, of which there are many.

Closed - the Argos shop pictured when it closed in October 2020 (Image: Newsquest)

“The new enterprise will offer a wide range of games and indoor activities.

“Its purpose is to attract players rather than just drinkers. It is customer participation that is the main aim of the use and the bar and food element are to some extent ancillary.

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“Introducing a new form of bar and entertainment to the city centre will attract people to the centre. That will in turn enhance its vitality and in doing so, improve viability.”

“It will introduce a new use to the city and help to resuscitate a city centre street that has an almost entirely vacant, secondary retail frontage.”

Shut up shop - Argos axed up to 70 shops from its portfolio in October 2020 (Image: Newsquest)

Business boss - Sam Good

The proposal has been welcomed by Our Colchester BID boss Sam Good.

"We welcome continued investment into the city centre and especially Long Wyre Street,” he said.

The added offering of more experiential space is great and will complement its surrounding businesses such as the escape room, Three Wise Monkeys and Romano Lounge.

“We have a variety of excellent leisure premises coming to Colchester city centre which is fantastic"

Colchester Council will determine the plans.

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