24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Tossed 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 been thrown away.
The decision by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed a debate amongst councillors and opposition from citizens who described the concept as "the final stroke" for Staines town centre.
The proposition was to transform the uninhabited noted structure's ground into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating all the time - a relocation which designers Sunni Ed Ltd declared would bring "vitality and practicality" back to the area.
But some dissenters questioned whether the site would rather be used as "an out-and-out gaming hall".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing files indicated that, had the job been greenlit, the designers had actually intended to get a gambling licence before opening.
As part of the licensing procedure, a threat assessment would have then been performed.
Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the plan "outrageous", saying: "We're going down a domino effect.
"Why would anybody want to play bingo 24 hr a day?" asked Councillor Chris Bateson.
"I can't picture a couple stating at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."
Ward councillor Howard Williams stated the proposal went against regional policy created to protect shopping areas in Staines town centre, while a number of others included that the adult-only venue would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly area.
Its result on problems like the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in location on the High Street was also pointed out.
However, some did concede that bringing the building back into usage could help generate footfall, while previous discuss the application suggested perhaps repurposing it for neighborhood advantage.
Other concepts included turning it into a post workplace, a cultural centre, a health and health and wellbeing center or independent shops.
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