Former B&M store to be transformed into snooker hall and bowling alley under new proposals

The company behind two snooker venues in Edinburgh is set to turn a former bargain store in Musselburgh town centre into its latest venture.

Battista Property Ltd, which runs the Ball Room at Morningside and Meadowbank, wants to turn the empty B&M store on the High Street into a snooker, pool and bowling facility.

In a statement to planners the applicant says the move will improve the vitality of the town centre adding: “The area has a noticeable lack of leisure venues in the town centre, and this will add a valuable facility to the High Street which will strengthen the attraction of the town centre.”

And they point to their previous experience running similar venues in Edinburgh and across Scotland with others in towns and cities including Glasgow, Perth, and Dunfermline.

The plans would see the large store turned into an indoor sport venue with seating areas for food and drink at the front of the premises and a variety of sports available including indoor mini golf.

The applicants point out there are no residential buildings on either side of the building which is on a main public transport route.

They added: “The proposal would make a very positive use of the existing building and would strengthen the vitality and viability of the Musselburgh Town Centre, whilst having no detrimental impact upon amenity.”

The High Street store was the town’s Woolworth until it closed nearly 20 years ago and was taken on by B&M who recently moved out leaving it vacant.

The plans have been lodged with the council and are available to view on its planning portal.