The Fate of Ex Gala Bingo Hall Still Undecided

  • The Fate of Ex Gala Bingo Hall Still Undecided

    By Lisa West on Friday, 28th August 2009

    Many local Bingo halls have been forced to close their doors over the last twelve months, and it is not only the small operators who have been hit.  The closure of many Gala Bingo Halls has been big news, as have their debts.  And, while players might lose their local hall, and others their jobs, it all begs another question.  What’s going to happen to all these buildings? One such hall is the ex Gala Bingo club in Upper Norward, which is situated in the borough of Bromley, south London.  Word has it, there are two groups who would like to take over.  They are, the Evangelical Church, and City Screen.  The Evangelical Church have already submitted plans to the council, to convert the Gala Bingo Hall.  However, this has been met by a stream of protests, and a petition with more than 5000 signatures.  

    It seems that Bromley locals would prefer the old Gala Bingo hall to be used as an “Art House” cinema.  Even so, the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) already own the freehold to the building, and only need the council to agree a ‘change of use’.  The Bingo Hall was closed by the Gala group some time ago, so, there is a gap which needs to be filled within the community.  The KICC have stated that the new “Church” would act as a central meeting place for people in the local community, is which case, everyone will benefit.  Although it goes without saying, there is a lot of difference, with regards to entertainment value, between an Evangelical Church and an Art House movie theatre!

    Currently, the Evangelist headquarters is based in rented  premises, in the borough of Wimbledon.  Their proposals include a café and bookshop, plus they intend to offer counselling services, a youth club, and skills training.  Plus, they also plan to provide a weekly free family film viewing.  Regardless, the locals seem to favour the Art House cinema, and it looks like the Evangelical Church are going to have a fight on their hands if they decide to go ahead.  Despite their good faith and determination, their fate seems even less optimistic than the Gala Bingo Hall before it.  I guess, as always, everyone will just have to wait and see!


    This was an article by Lisa for Bingo faces on Gala bingo Halls

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