The former WHSmith store and Post Office in Margate High Street could become a bingo hall.
A planning application has been submitted to Thanet council by East Kent Leasing Limited – owned by members of the Godden family including Jeremy and Jordan Godden who ran The Bench wine bar in Ramsgate.
The company wants change of use for the ground floor from retail to the bingo premises.
The WH Smith store closed in April 2024 and the freehold of the site was acquired by The Godden Family Trust for £300,000 on 1st October 2024.
The family trust plans to invest £600,000, transforming the site to a new, fully fitted out Bingo Centre operating 24/7 hours and creating 8 full time and 2 part time jobs.
Planning documents say: “This will in turn have a positive impact on the vitality and vibrancy of Margate town centre, as data from customer linked trips shows that bingo players frequently use other services in town centres such as cafes and shops, so there will be a positive, knock-on effect for local businesses.”
Data submitted with the application shows that of 296 Margate town centre units 53 are vacant, equating to 17.91% of all units. This is above the national average (14.06%) and, planning documents say it “reflects Margate’s declining high street.”
The family have been in the gaming industry for more than 40 years. The business originated in the South- East of England and since 2012 has expanded into Greater London including sites in Croydon, Kilburn, Wood Green, Islington and Romford. The senior management team of East Kent Leasing Limited have operated over 400 Adult Gaming Centres & Bingo Halls throughout the UK.
In April this year Thanet council granted a licence for Bingo use of the premises with unrestricted opening hours.
Planning documents note the previous closure of Beacon Bingo on Margate seafront and add: “The applicant is committed to long-term and sustainable investment in the premises, thereby returning a vacant unit into commercial use that will enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre, introducing additional footfall to local businesses and creating new jobs.”
The Godden family business already owns Palace Amusements in Margate High Street.
A decision on the application has not yet been made.
That will go up in flames ,in the near future
Can’t see the need to play bingo 24/7 !
It will certainly increase fire insurance premiums in the vicinity.
Check out the latest series of “Tulsa King” to see how and why Bingo can be more lucrative than one might dream possible!
Wot, no art?!