Bingo hall set to open in Dudley
A bingo hall is set to open at a former supermarket in Dudley town centre, creating 25 jobs.
Mecca Bingo wants to create its latest centre inside the old Select and Save shop on High Street.
The firm said it was keen to improve attractions on offer in Dudley by taking over the empty unit.
The plan has been backed by planning experts, who have advised councillors to give the move the green light at a meeting tonight. (Mon)
The popular bingo firm is keen to create another centre in Black Country to add to existing sites in Bilston and Brierley Hill. Bosses were left frustrated after a bid to launch in Walsall was refused in November and will be looking to avoid similar problems in Dudley.
If given the go-ahead, the former discount store, opposite Barclays, would be fitted out into a bingo hall.
Dudley had a large bingo hall based at the town's famous Hippodrome theatre but it closed in 2009 and the company feels there is appetite for bingo to return.
Dudley councillor Ken Finch said he would welcome the addition of the bingo hall to the town centre.
He said: "Bingo is on its way back as regards to the general public's interest in it.
"Anything that brings trade and livens Dudley town centre can only be good.
"As member for Castle and Priory, which covers half of the town centre, I would applaud it."
A statement from Mecca submitted with the plans said: "Historically, the bingo club has been the social hub at the heart of a community, providing a safe, responsible environment where bingo can be enjoyed by customers alongside complementary facilities such as gaming machines, bars and restaurants. "It would act as a community hub, providing activities that can be enjoyed by individuals and groups alike.
"As a High Street leisure offer of appropriate scale, it will add to the diversity, activity and viability of the town centre."
Mecca Bingo was left frustrated in its battle to open a hall on Park Street, Walsall, as councillors refused to let it go ahead.
Concerns were raised that the scheme would ‘ruin the town centre’ and drive shoppers away.
