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 actually been thrown out.


The choice by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed a debate among councillors and opposition from residents who explained the idea as "the last straw" for Staines town centre.


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


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


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing documents showed that, had actually the task been greenlit, the developers had actually planned to get a betting licence before opening.


As part of the licensing process, a threat assessment would have then been performed.


Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the plan "outrageous", stating: "We're decreasing a domino effect.


"Why would anyone want to play bingo 24 hr 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 stated the proposal broke regional policy created to safeguard shopping areas in Staines town centre, while numerous others added that the adult-only venue would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly area.


Its result on concerns like the general public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in place on the High Street was likewise mentioned.


However, some did concede that bringing the building back into usage might help produce footfall, while previous discuss the application suggested potentially repurposing it for community benefit.


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


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