Supplier News
UK – Gala Bingo invests £5m in new Southampton club
By Phil - 28 July 2015
Gala Bingo has opened its first new build club in nine years, investing £5m in the new club in Antelope Park, Southampton, which is due to open in January 2016.
Gala Bingo is keeping to its commitment to the treasury with the construction of the venue following previous announcements of a bingo tax reduction from 20 per cent to 10 per cent in the 2014 budget,
It is expecting to create 50 new jobs for the local community.
The new venue will introduce an entirely new concept to bingo lovers. The investment aims to change the perception of bingo by broadening the brand’s appeal through the addition of new differentiated zones in which to play bingo, and much improved facilities to attract a younger, modern day audience to play happily alongside Gala’s traditional audiences who have grown up with bingo and still like to enjoy it in a quieter environment.
The brand new venue will provide two places to play the same bingo games. It will be fully equipped with a newly designed, separated area, where the modern-day bingo player can enjoy the game without having to keep the noise down and a separate, 500 seat main hall, with sound proof glass for the more traditional player, so both desired experiences can be protected, without impacting on each other. Additional features include a vibrant arcade full of the latest slot machines, after hours bingo, a pub-style food menu and a relaxed and comfy outdoor terrace that provides a pleasant environment for smokers, or just people who want to play bingo, in comfort, outside.
Simon Wykes, Managing Director of Gala Bingo, said: “Gala Bingo is delighted to keep to its commitment to the treasury with the construction of a new build club. With a total investment of £5m, the new Southampton club is a first in so many ways for Gala Bingo. It’s not only the first, full new build Gala Bingo club in nine years, the new concept caters for all types of bingo players, both regular and new. There is something for everyone.”
