A slot machine shop is coming to a city centre street despite backlash from locals. 

Merkur Slots will soon be opening its first Norwich site after City Hall approved the company's plans for a site on St Stephens Street.

Just across the road from an Admiral slots casino, the branch will open in half of the former Argos store which closed down in 2021.

Part of the German-owned Gauselmann Group, the company operates Britain’s second-largest network of adult gaming centres.

The slot shop will be going into one half of the former Argos store in St Stephens StreetThe slot shop will be going into one half of the former Argos store in St Stephens Street (Image: Google) The chain has 220 sites across the UK, including branches in Thetford, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth, and payouts range from £5 to £500.

However, the plans have been met with objections from city folk. 

One person commented: "How far can St. Stephens fall? From premier shopping street to slot machines and arcades for the hapless."

Another said: "It would be far better to have an empty shop than another venue that brings the street even further down the plug hole that it has fallen into.

"Norwich was once a fine city and another venue like this would bring it down even further."

Merkur Slots has 220 other sites around the UKMerkur Slots has 220 other sites around the UK (Image: Merkur Slots) A shop premises near the former Argos site also lodged an objection with Norwich City Council.

It said: "The proposed use excludes a significant section of the general public and would fail to cater to family groups, teenagers and children.

"The shopfront would be enclosed to avoid unobstructed views into the unit. The proposed displays would fail to attract customers and would not add vibrancy, animation or activity to the area."

READ MORE: International kebab chain set for former city Argos store

Planning Potential, who acted on behalf of Merkur Slots, rebutted the objections. 

The site has been empty since Argos moved out in 2021The site has been empty since Argos moved out in 2021 (Image: Newsquest) It said: "Merkur Slots are not seedy, tired and antiquated establishments, they have smart, modern lounges and are common in high street locations. 

"Whilst feedback is welcomed, there are a considerable number of misconceptions surrounding the proposed adult gaming centre use."

Norwich City Council has approved the plans and Merkur Slots has three years within which to start work at the site.