Land Logic Ltd, agent for Adult Gaming Centre Limited, based in the Alhambra Buildings on Marine Road West, wants to change the ground floor amusement arcade into an indoor market covering 8,516 square feet.

It is hope the venture would be similar to the Botany Bay attraction near Chorley.

Stephen Matthews, of the Alhambra, said: "From our perspective a Botany Bay style craft/antiques centre could fit in well with the vision for the area.

"The public realm improvements associated with the coastal defence works, beach replenishment and works to the West End Gardens are all designed to help support a retail emphasis in this area.

Hopeful
"The design and build contract for significant improvements to Yorkshire Street retail area and Heysham Road was signed recently and we are hopeful that the Northwest Development Agency will support shop front improvements and an expansion of the public realm to link back to the promenade, possibly within this financial year.

"They are also funding more detailed appraisal work with the view to creating a new central park within a stone's throw of the Alhambra, this could well include provision for car parking which will support increased retail activity to both Yorkshire Street and potentially to the Alhambra.

"All the above will certainly contribute to creating a pleasant setting and help develop the area as a destination for quality niche markets in the context of a nice day out."

A spokesman for council-led community group Winning Back the West End said: "We are encouraged to learn of this private investment into the West End of Morecambe.

"If it is developed into a high quality establishment it will attract people into this part of town."

The planning and highways regulatory committee meet next on September 3.