The Palace Bingo, Bedworth. Source: Google.com Following on from the news that BJ's Bingo Leigh has reopened after an extensive refurbishment, in the bingo news today, there is the story of another bingo club putting forward an application to extend and refurbish.
Bingo enthusiasts in Bedworth are in for a treat as The Palace Bingo in Leicester Road revealed plans for a single-story extension and significant refurbishment to enhance the player experience. The popular bingo club, a staple in the community for years, is set to undergo a transformation that promises modern amenities while preserving the traditional charm that patrons love.
A Fresh Look for a Beloved Venue
The planned renovations will introduce updated interiors, improved seating arrangements, and state-of-the-art gaming technology. These changes are designed to create a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for both long-time members and newcomers. The management has emphasized that while the facilities will be modernized, the welcoming atmosphere that defines the club will remain unchanged.
“The construction of the new toilet block occupies unused space within the existing walled/enclosed yard and will provide compliant toilet facilities for the club,” the application states.
From Silver Screen to Bingo Dreams: The Story of Palace Bingo Bedworth
Tucked away in the heart of Bedworth, Palace Bingo has been entertaining locals for over a century—but not always with bingo. This much-loved club has a fascinating backstory, beginning life not as a bingo hall but as a grand cinema.
A Century of Entertainment
The building initially opened its doors in 1911 as the Palace Cinema, a majestic Neo-Classical structure built to entertain the masses in the golden age of film. It seated around 850 guests across stalls and a balcony, quickly becoming a go-to destination for movie lovers in the early 20th century.
By 1930, the cinema had embraced the new wave of “talkies,” upgrading its system with the latest British Thomson Houston (BTH) sound technology, ensuring that patrons could enjoy the latest sound films in style. Ownership changed hands in 1947, and the Palace continued to serve as a community cinema well into the 1950s.
Enter the Bingo Era
As cinema attendance began to decline post-war, the Palace started to shift gears. By 1960, the venue was already hosting occasional bingo sessions. Just a few years later, in 1963, under the new ownership of the Miles Jervis cinema chain, the building fully transitioned into a dedicated bingo club—a move that would cement its place in Bedworth’s social fabric.
A Family Affair
In 2012, the club was taken over by a new generation when a sister and her two brothers inherited the business from their parents. Since then, Palace Bingo has remained proudly family-run, with a strong emphasis on community, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere for players of all ages.
Community-Centric Enhancements
Beyond the physical upgrades, the club is also focusing on community engagement. Plans include hosting more local events, charity nights, and themed bingo sessions to foster a stronger connection with the residents of Bedworth. The goal is to make the club not just a place to play bingo, but a central hub for social interaction and community building.
Looking Ahead
The renovation project is scheduled to commence in the coming months, pending approval from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, with efforts made to minimize disruption to regular operations. The club's management is enthusiastic about the changes and believes that the updated facilities will attract a new generation of bingo players while continuing to serve its loyal customer base.
The plans are now being considered by officers at the Town Hall.
Stay tuned to BingoDaily.co.uk for updates on the renovation progress and information on the grand reopening event.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
