The family-run operator already has an amusement arcade on the ground floor of the 19th century Britannia Music Hall. The listed building, based in Glasgow's Trongate, will now be restored to its former glory at a cost of around £5.5m. Mitchell's are committing £500,000 to the project and seeking a number of grants as well as Lottery funding.

Mitchell's operates a total of seven amusement arcades, and company director, Bradley Mitchell has a particular interest in historic buildings. 'I try and find buildings with a bit more character,' he said. 'They have amazing architecture and are generally much more interesting.'

The building is expected to reopen as a heritage centre in 2007.