What Now for Nuneaton’s Former Ritz Bingo Hall?

It’s been more than ten years since the doors of Ritz Bingo closed for good in Nuneaton and over the years, speculation has been growing over fears as to what could take over the building. The listed building was also home to a cinema when locals began flocking to see the latest movies back in 1937. Fast forward a decade or three and the cinema became the Ritz until its closure in 1984 when the cinema rolls stopped spinning to make way for bingo.

From there, the building was taken over by bingo conglomerate Gala Bingo who closed up shop in 2008. After this, the premises were put on the market as part of the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s regeneration plan for Upper Abbey Street and residents were eager for a new theatre to open to serve the town, but planning stalled and nothing ever came of it…

…until now. The once iconic building is set to be transformed into a community facility with a restaurant and residential apartment after planning release was obtained. It’s been more than 7-month since the building was acquired for the sum of £339,500, which is afar cry away from the asking price of £1.3 million back in 2013, by Mr Buddhi Magaar, a registered member of Semichyong UK, a co-operative company which provides members with opportunity to benefit from meditation, healing and celebrations.

At Last Progress:

Despite there being no official documentation or news on when the target date for opening will be, local media is speculating the building could be ready as early as January 2020. Locals will be pleased to learn of the new plans because the years have not been kind to the listed building. Old film reels still line the side of the building and each of the windows is boarded up. The former bingo hall also houses a carpark big enough for plenty of visitors and residents, although, CCTV or manual manning of the carpark may be required in this secluded spot.

Part of the planning reveals the mixed use of the building will also mean renovation works and this alone will require a special license (or permit) along with lots of cash. Being listed as Grade II means strict rules will be imposed on those wishing to alter the layout or appearance of the structure. Change may not be needed as the interior still boasts its original and impressive Art Deco, Neo-Egyptian and oriental touches, including a grand foyer and staircases, an auditorium and various stages.

Fear not bingo lovers! There are still a handful of places left bellowing out bingo lingo in Nuneaton; The Grand (Majestic Bingo) on Camp Hill Road and Sun Spot in Abbeygate Shopping Centre. Keep an eye on the Majestic Bingo Facebook page as details on an upcoming exclusive game are set to be revealed; Shark. ‘You’re going to need a bigger dabber!’