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Scarborough's bingo hall reborn as grand theatre
13 Aug
Summary
- Former bingo hall set to be transformed into a major theatre.
- Project aims to attract national touring productions currently bypassing town.
- Estimated £6m annual contribution to the local economy.
Plans have been unveiled to transform a former bingo hall in Scarborough into a significant new theatre and community venue. The Capitol Theatre Trust aims to restore the historic Mecca Bingo building on Albemarle Crescent, originally opened as the Capitol Cine Theatre in 1929.
The proposed £10m project is anticipated to draw national touring productions that currently skip the town due to inadequate facilities. A consultation period for the plans is scheduled to commence on September 19th, offering the public a chance to tour previously inaccessible areas of the building.
This initiative could provide a much-needed boost to Scarborough's cultural landscape, addressing a current gap in the town's offerings. The trust estimates the venue will contribute around £6m annually to the local economy. While the trust hopes to reopen a portion of the building by 2029, to coincide with its 100th anniversary, full operational status may extend to approximately 2035.
