HUNDREDS of people have had their say on what they think Westbourne's former cinema and bingo hall should be turned into.
The site in Poole Road is currently up for sale for £1.6million, with Goadsby saying there was a lot of interest.
And hundreds of Daily Echo readers have had their say on what the site that was once earmarked for a gym should become.
One person said: “Something for 11- to 17-year-olds. There's nothing for these kids to do that doesn't cost a small fortune. Not every kid can have £20 here and there for food and entertainment. Tuck shop, under-18s themed nights, comedy shows for under-18s, open mic nights for those budding artists to do stand-up or music. A platform to compete in talent shows or battle of the bands type events where donations can be made for entry.”
Another reader said: “I'd like to see Buzz Bingo buy it as the only on in our area is Tower Park and then Southampton.”
One opinion was to turn the hall into an ice rink and a venue for teenagers to enjoy.
“I'd like to see it turned into an indoor roller rink so that there is somewhere the youngsters and adults can go and not be hanging around on streets causing trouble because they are bored,” a reader said.
A woman commenting on the story said it could be used for accommodation or a centre for homeless people.
Others called for an art studio, live music events or for it to be turned back into a cinema.
As reported, the hall was built as a cinema in 1922 before being converted for use as a bingo hall in1977, continuing as such until January 2018 when it was sold to Simon Bartlam.
He said the number of attendees had fallen to about a quarter of what it was at its peak, meaning the business was no longer viable.
After players dabbed their cards one last time, Mr Bartlam described the hall as “my life”.
He said: “The people that have come here all these years are what has kept this place going. We’ve tried to keep it going for them, but at a cost to me that, as a small independent, I can’t afford to finance any longer.
“It’s sad but we’ve had a great time and it’s been a great 40 years.”
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