24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Out 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 dispute amongst councillors and opposition from citizens who explained the idea as "the last straw" for Staines town centre.


The was to convert the uninhabited noted building's ground flooring into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating around the clock - a relocation which designers Sunni Ed Ltd declared would bring "vigor and practicality" back to the area.


But some dissenters questioned whether the site would instead be utilized as "an out-and-out betting hall".


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing documents indicated that, had the job been greenlit, the developers had actually intended to obtain a betting licence before opening.


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


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


"Why would anybody wish 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 said the proposal went against local policy developed to protect shopping spaces in Staines town centre, while several others added that the adult-only location would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly area.


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


However, some did concede that bringing the structure back into usage might assist generate footfall, while previous remarks on the application suggested perhaps repurposing it for neighborhood advantage.


Other ideas included turning it into a post workplace, a cultural centre, a health and wellness center or independent stores.


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