THE future of one of the city’s favourite snooker halls is secure after the business was given the green light to open a new premises.

Rocket Ronnies, which has premises on Castle Way, will now also create a new pool hall on the site of former restaurant Food Factory, on the High Street.

Owner Ronnie Keates had feared that his current business may have to make way for a new £18 million student accommodation complex, which had been earmarked to be built on the site.

But in being granted permission to occupy another unit, the 46-year-old believes “the future is bright for Ronnies and for pool”.

He said: “Pool could be bigger than snooker soon, and more people in Southampton play that sport and the number getting involved is growing week on week.

“We’re always busy at the Castle Way venue and hopefully be able to keep that open as well as the new pool hall.

“It’s a more central location for people who want to play so it’s only going to get busier here.”

Although the plans for the student complex were rejected by officials at Southampton City Council, Ronnie feels the developer will go back in again.

But he will preserve with his business in Southampton. He will continue to open the Castle Way branch as a snooker hall and will make the High Street venue exclusively a pool hall.

Within the new building, there will be 16 English pool tables, two Chinese eight-ball tables and an American nine-ball table, as well as sport on the television, a licensed bar and hot food available.

It is hoped to be opened by the Easter bank holiday.