Former Bingo Club Fights to Avoid Demolition

Many former bingo clubs have been axed in recent years, but one that is still hanging on is the former Opera House in Workington. The site has been under debate for some time, and has just been given a stay of execution from plans to demolish it whilst councillors decide its future.

The site was originally called the Queen’s Jubilee Hall and Opera Club and could hold more than 1300 people when it opened in the late 1800’s. The small theatre unfortunately burnt down in 1927 and was then rebuilt as a cine-theatre. In 1958 Robert Graves changed the building to a bingo hall after there was a fall in demand for cinemas. In 2004 Opera Bingo moved out and the building has mostly been empty since then.

The owners of the building, Graves (Cumberland) Ltd want to demolish the Coopers Walk building, along with 3 adjoining shops, and build new retail units and apartments in their place. In a campaign against these plans a petition with 117 names on it has been handed in to the council, and a Facebook page has approximately 1000 members.

Members of Allerdale’s development panel paid a visit to the site and then stated that they were looking to keep the building as an entertainment venue. They agreed to delay any decision on the demolition plans for 3 months, in which time the campaigners could put together a detailed rescue package for the building.

Councillor John Armstrong said; “It is a quality building and there is nowhere in West Cumbria quite like it. It has got to be saved for the people of Workington and West Cumbria and we need to see if there is any other way to preserve it.”

Councillor Peter Kendall added; “We need facilities like this in the area and we need to promote arts and leisure in the heart of the town centre of Workington so it must be kept.”

Councillor Allan Caine commented; “We should give it three months to see if anybody comes forward to restore it.”

Councillor Alan Smith said; “It is a big area and a lot of work needs to be done with it.”

Due to the size of the site it is believed there will be limited interest in it. 3 months is also thought to be a short timescale for another plan to be submitted. The other shops that would be demolished are the British Heart Foundation shop, Supernews and the former Card Warehouse shop. In turn 9 shops and 15 apartments would be built, so it would lead to a significant change in the nature of the area.

We all love internet bingo but we have to keep the heritage of our live bingo halls across the UK, they seem to be taking them down faster than they are gowing up. Which is worrying times for the live bingo halls.

Brought to you by London Bingo News

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5. Bingo club closes in Wellingborough