Walsall Council planning officers have given the go-ahead for LCP Properties to commence activity on the ground floor of Park Place shopping centre, in Park Street.
Airsoft guns were developed in Japan in the 1980s and involve people taking part in mock combat games that fire small projectiles from weapons.
In its application, LCP said airsoft would be open from 5pm to 11pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 7pm on weekends, with a maximum of 50 players per event and six staff on hand.
Six small, independent retailers were told to vacate the ground floor of the declining shopping centre in 2021 under the owner's plans to revitalise the then-semi-vacant space, but it has remained largely unused ever since.
Big chains such as Boots, Max Spielman and Greggs remain on the ground floor, but the area was hit again by the closure of Wilkos last year.
Agents D2 Planning said: “It is proposed to change the use of the upper floors to leisure airsoft recreation.”
“The site is within Walsall Conservation Area; however, no alterations are proposed and so will not affect the character or appearance of the conservation area.”
“The development will not disrupt the amenity of nearby residents through noise or nuisance.”
“The proposed use will not significantly increase traffic volumes associated with the building and will provide ample parking for downtown customers, particularly given the proposed hours of occupancy.”
Formerly known as Quasar Centre, the shopping mall has been in town for over 40 years and once featured an indoor market alongside all the stores.
Former tenants were shocked when they were informed that their leases would not be renewed in 2021, but many have since found new homes in Walsall city centre.