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Kettering Bingo Hall: Community Ownership Fund
13 December 2023
Lead MP
Philip Hollobone
Kettering
Con
Responding Minister
Not recorded
Tags
Local Government
Word Count: 3651
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Philip Hollobone raised concerns about kettering bingo hall: community ownership fund in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks the Government to allocate £2 million from the Community Ownership Fund for the redevelopment of the former Gala Bingo hall site, which is anticipated to have a transformative impact on Kettering's town centre and align with the levelling-up objectives of the current government.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The former Gala Bingo hall in Kettering has been vacant for over five years and was once home to a cinema, orchestra pit, restaurant, theatre space, and even hosted legendary bands. The building was found to have over 2,000 cannabis plants inside, potentially worth £3 million. Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins of the BHVA Axis Hub CIC are seeking to transform this site into a community hub with various facilities like theatres, performance spaces, music studios, hot desks, and more. The proposal aims to boost local economic outcomes, create jobs, improve social cohesion, and enhance wellbeing among residents in Kettering.
Ian C. Lucas
Lab
Wrexham
Mr Lucas expressed his support for Philip Hollobone's initiative to revitalize the former bingo hall in Kettering, highlighting the importance of community regeneration projects and praising Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins' efforts. Mr Lucas proposed that additional stakeholders such as local businesses could be involved to bolster the project's sustainability, emphasizing the need for a diverse range of financial backing and support from the community.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I hope that the campaign to restore and keep the bingo hall will be successful. I am mindful that the hon. Gentleman has laid out the history. Are there are any famous people from Kettering who could be called upon to be philanthropic and give money to help him and others achieve the goal?
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.