Plans for Former Bank on Surrey High Street to Become a Bingo Hall Challenged

A high street in Surrey looking to breathe new life into the local area with a bingo entertainment hall has been challenged by locals. High Street in Staines has long been home to a now-empty NatWest building, situated between a Barclays and HSBC. So, the council wants to make use of the building once again.

On paper, the move would introduce a business supplying jobs seven days a week and, as an entertainment venue, would generate increased footfall on High Street. This is particularly true of special offer nights and for major events. However, objections have been made.

“Add to the Vitality and Viability of the Town Centre”

Further, the site being changed in its usage wouldn’t reduce the retail offer and should generate more footfall across the centre of town. The initial offering shows playing tables with 81 seats, an office, five toilets, and a customer service desk.

People have taken to the internet to make comments. The BBC picked up on some of the objections, such as people stating they want more “nice shops”, while others want the listed building to be preserved.

A Popular Community Game

Bingo has a long history of success in the UK, and while it has certainly faded from being a Friday and Saturday night staple, people continue to flock to a variety of bingo offerings. Touring bingo events have become wildly popular. These nightclub-style bingo nights certainly cause a ruckus on arrival, but never fail to sell out.

Then, of course, there’s been a rise in online bingo UK fans can play. Anyone who wants the bingo experience from the convenience of their home can turn to the ongoing bingo rooms of different themes and jackpot prizes in a few taps.

While not the same experience as being in a bingo hall with others, online bingo’s popularity speaks to an enduring love of the game of cheeky calls and numbered balls. The potential new bingo hall on Staines’ High Street may give even more people a good reason to venture into the town centre for occasions and entertainment.

In turn, those people would likely make a night of the fun. Perhaps attending a restaurant or takeaway and, after the bingo, maybe look to winding out the evening in a pub or bar. It’s the kind of venue that can create a buzz, particularly if it follows in the steps of similar venues with promotions on what would be quieter week nights.

Quite rightly, locals had a chance to voice their opinions on the old bank in Staines becoming a bingo hall. While there’s a long way to go yet – including it needing to acquire a UKGC license – having a new entertainment venue in the town centre would create a buzz.