Ex-bingo hall site snapped up by firms

A former bingo hall has been sold just three months after being put on the market, it emerged today.

The new owners of the former Gala Bingo in Anchor Road, Aldridge, are now "considering a number of proposals for the site".

Walsall-based Dorchester Land and Corum Property Investments Limited, based in Guernsey, have bought the one acre site in a prominent position on Anchor Road.

John Phillips from Dorchester Land said: "It has the potential for a number of alternative uses. We are considering a number of proposals for the site and the intention is to submit a planning application in due course following consultation with the local planning authority and other interested parties."

The building was put up for sale by owners Gala Coral when it closed in August after more than 60 years of bingo at the site. Players told of their sadness at its demise and 18 people lost their jobs.

The company blamed the tough economic climate and the hike in bingo tax duty in April's budget for the closures.

It is one of several branches the company has been forced to close, including Gala Bingo in Castle Hill, Dudley, which also shut in September. The company said at the time there was an interested buyer but refused to confirm the identity.

The Aldridge club, which stands in the centre of the village was formerly the Avion Cinema built in the 1930s. It is a listed building and has been hailed as an example of fine architecture in the past. It is believed it was on the market for more than £1 million.