A new amusement arcade featuring claw machines could soon open in the Wollongong CBD. A development application has been lodged with Wollongong City Council for a venue called Claw Carnival on Crown Street.
The proposed arcade would occupy a former hairdresser shop just west of the Crown Lane intersection, part of the historic Excelsior Hall building. Plans show more than 30 claw machines inside the store, with an estimated capacity of around 20 patrons at any one time.
If approved, the arcade would open daily at 11am, closing at 8:30pm Monday to Wednesday, 9:30pm Thursday to Saturday, and 8:30pm on Sundays. The development application states the business will generate low pedestrian and vehicle traffic and will not significantly increase parking demand.
A heritage study was submitted as part of the application, noting Excelsior Hall was built in late 1927 by local businessman and politician William Howarth. The building opened in 1928 with a dance hall on the first floor and retail at ground level. The study concluded the proposed works would not adversely impact the heritage significance.
The development application is on public exhibition until November 13.
