|
We have heard of many bingo hall closures over the past year and one such casualty was a Gala Bingo club in Bournemouth. It is now a possibility that this former bingo hall could be transformed into a Church and multipurpose community centre, proposed plans that have already been submitted to the local council for approval.
When the Bournemouth Community Church heard rumours of the Gala Bingo Hall closure, they began talks with Gala Coral to try and secure the building in Wimbourne Road for their Church.
The ink has still not been put on the paper, therefore negotiations between the two parties are still taking place, but plans to have the site converted into a Church and Community Centre have been submitted by the BCC (Bournemouth Community Church).
The BCC operations manager, Greg Rawlings had this to say on the matter: "Predominantly we currently meet in two schools in the area and we have been looking for a place of this sort of size for a while. We're excited about our plans because we feel the building could offer something for everyone. We know there are lots of local theatre and community groups who could make great use of the space."
It seems like there is much anticipation around the local area for this project to get the go ahead, but some still fear this building may still be snapped up by the property developers and made into flats.
The plans that have been submitted by the BCC, will not only include current activities for their Church, but they also plan to have the upper level of the building made into an 800 seater auditorium, where the lower levels of the building will be suitable for children’s clubs and training rooms. The rear of the building could also become a youth centre with a sports hall attached, plus a chill out lounge area.
To this effect it is no wonder the local community are eagerly awaiting the outcome of these proposals and seen as the local people have already suffered a loss to their community due to the closure of the Gala Bingo hall, it would be nice to see it be put to good use.
 |
