24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Away By Council

17 November 2025
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Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Reporting Service


A plan to turn a former branch of NatWest bank in Surrey into a 24-hour bingo hall has been thrown out.


The decision by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed a dispute amongst councillors and opposition from citizens who described the idea as "the final stroke" for Staines town centre.


The proposal was to convert the uninhabited noted building's ground flooring into a 61 bingo hall operating all the time - a move which designers Sunni Ed Ltd declared would bring "vigor and viability" back to the location.


But some dissenters questioned whether the website would rather be used as "an out-and-out gaming hall".


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing files indicated that, had actually the project been greenlit, the designers had actually intended to apply for a gaming licence before opening.


As part of the licensing procedure, a danger evaluation would have then been performed.


Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the plan "outrageous", stating: "We're going down a slippery slope.


"Why would anyone wish to play bingo 24 hours a day?" asked Councillor Chris Bateson.


"I can't imagine a couple saying at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."


Ward councillor Howard Williams said the proposal went versus local policy created to safeguard shopping spaces in Staines town centre, while a number of others added that the adult-only location would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly area.


Its impact on concerns like the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in location on the High Street was likewise pointed out.


However, some did yield that bringing the building back into usage could help create step, while previous talk about the application suggested possibly repurposing it for community benefit.


Other concepts consisted of turning it into a post workplace, a cultural centre, a health and wellbeing center or independent shops.


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