Mecca Bingo In Chester

Oh no, I can almost hear the groans of anguish already. Can this really happen. Is it possible that Mecca Bingo in Chester will close? Well, according to local newspaper, Cheshire Live, it is a distinct possibility. Mecca Bingo did confirm earlier this week that they were in talks with staff regarding plans to close the venue in Chester city centre. As soon as those talks were completed, they would make an announcement. The bingo hall is a very well known venue in the city. So much so that there are those who refer to the St Oswalds Way roundabout the venue sits alongside as the Mecca Bingo roundabout. Mind you there are also those who refer to the roundabout and the surrounding area as Cider Island. But we won’t dwell on the names the roundabout may affectionately be known as.

So, will it close or won’t it? It has been around it seems forever. But not so if you have a quick look at the history of it.

Mecca Bingo In Chester

Many, many moons ago, the venue used to be a cinema, called originally the Gaumont Palace, then later, it was simply known as the Gaumont. This all started as far back as 1931 in fact. It was Chester’s first “super cinema.” The Gaumont Palace first opened on 2nd March 1931.

The venue was designed by William T. Benslyn and it had seating for a sizeable amount of visitors. As many as 1997 as it happens. The mayor of Chester at the time, John Morris, performed the opening, and the first film on show was? Yes, you’ve guessed it, the first attraction was On Approval, a British comedy by Frederick Lonsdale. What do you mean, you’ve never heard of it!!!

The Gaumont was also the only cinema in Chester where you could grab a meal. Anyone could pop into the restaurant as well as it was available to all, not just patrons. In time there were other cinemas to serve cooked food such as the ABC Regal but that wasn’t until 1965.

As well as films, the Gaumont also staged many live shows. For instance, in the 50s and early 60s a number of singing stars appeared there. The last such live show was in November 1961. On stage that night entertaining the fans was the famous Billy Fury supported by Eden Kane.

Moving fast forward to today there are some who think that the venue could well be a good spot for live music now. A good size venue, cracking location and a bar already ticks a fair few boxes.

Anyway, back to the brief history. The Gaumont closed as a cinema on the 9th December 1961 with the X rated film The Marriage Go-round being the last showing.

The Gaumont Becomes A Bowling Alley

After which, work started straight away on converting the building into a bowling alley. This bowling alley opened in 1962 and operated as such until bingo became the name of the game in 1970.

So, all in all, bingo has been the name of the game for 53 years. Wow, there have been some numbers called and some cracking prize money winnings dished out hasn’t there.

A big decision is to be made by Mecca. It will be sad, but as this has already found its way into the press, it does seem like it may be a gonna.

Although ‘never say never’ as they say. Some patrons are so steeped in the Mecca bingo world, they have set up a petition to help keep Mecca Bingo in Chester. For so many, it is a huge part of their lives. Closure will see an important part of their lives ripped away. Yes indeed a big decision for the locals to contemplate.

If It Does Close

If it does close however, what then? We’ve already touched on the idea of it becoming a music venue earlier on in the article. I must admit it has all the makings of a great option. It would not only have locals flocking to see their favourites but it would also bring plenty of ‘out of towners.’ More foot fall for the city centre and all that.

Could it be converted back into a bowling alley? Or is bowling now seen to be a bit old hat? A huge nightclub perhaps? I don’t know anything so this is pure speculation, but looking at the size of the building and the age etc, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tim Martin’s team from Wetherspoons haven’t cast an eye over it as a possible new Wetherspoons.

Whatever it may be – and that includes the possibility of it remaining as a bingo hall – let’s hope it is a success. Chester city centre is in need of a few more options and opportunities to attract more visitors. I just hope with all the options available it doesn’t turn into another hotel. Or a new apartment block. Just saying.

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