The glory days of gaming could be coming back to a new venue in Exeter
A planning application has been submitted for a new amusement arcade in the city centre, with a pledge to lovers of retro video games and pinball.
The application from Paignton based Supervideo Ltd, trading as Boneyard Exeter, says: “The proposed venue will feature vintage arcade games from the 1970s to the 1990s, including titles like Space Invaders and Pac-Man, alongside select modern games such as dance machines.”
If successful, the arcade will open at 180 Sidwell Street, formerly the Brighthouse store, in a unit which has been empty for five years.
There are no plans to have any gambling machines, and none which offer cash prizes. The applicant wants to sell snacks and drinks in the evenings.
The statement says: “Alcohol sales will be secondary to the venue’s core purpose and served from a fridge behind the main counter—there will be no pub-style bar or club setup.
“The aim is to foster a social, game-focused environment rather than a bar or restaurant with incidental entertainment.”
Themed merchandise including clothing, posters, and collectibles will be on sale.
The statement goes on: “This development will contribute positively to Exeter’s city centre by offering a unique leisure destination for all ages, attracting both local residents and visitors, creating employment and enhancing the area’s social and economic vitality.”
Entry to the arcade will be free, and Boneyard Exeter wants to open from midday until 9pm from Sundays to Wednesdays, and from midday until 11pm from Thursday to Saturday.
A noise impact assessment has already been carried out.
There was previously a Boneyard Video Arcade in nearby Red Lion Lane, but its owners announced on social media that they were ‘taking a break’ and hoping to return in new premises.
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