AN ALL-hours, adult-only amusement arcade is expanding in Southampton, creating four new jobs.

Quicksilver, on Shirley High Street, has been granted permission to bring its neighbouring, unused retail unit back into use to enlarge its adult gaming centre. The unit was formerly occupied by Wow Accessories until it ceased trading in December 2016 and has remained on the market since then.

With no offers coming forward to fill the space, arcade owners Luxury Leisure opted to increase the size of its operation. The plan, which was submitted to Southampton City Council, says the new unit will be open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week – just as Quicksilver currently operates. The use of the facility would offer gaming for adults.

In the application the firm said: “The proposed development will bring back into use a unit which has been vacant and complement the range of uses found within the town centre.”

It added: “It is noted that other commercial units on this part of the High Street utilise a mix of materials but the majority reflect their corporate brand.

“Luxury Leisure’s preference is to do the same given the significant investment they are making in bringing back this vacant unit into use. However, we can confirm that no roller shutters are proposed.”

As part of the plan, the two units will become combined, with new glazing installed to create an active shop-front, adding interest to the street scene. The company believes that the new space will allow its staff numbers to increase from 10 to 14.

These new roles will be a mix of full-time and part-time.