Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Kettering Bingo Hall: Community Ownership Fund

13 December 2023 · 2 other contributors · 3,651 words

Opened by Philip Hollobone Con Kettering

Responding minister: Not recorded

EconomyEmploymentCommunity Security

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Philip Hollobone raised concerns about kettering bingo hall: community ownership fund in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • The former Gala Bingo hall in Kettering has been vacant for over five years and was previously used for various entertainment purposes including hosting bands.
  • The building was discovered to contain over 2,000 cannabis plants, potentially valued at 3 million.
  • Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins seek to transform the site into a community hub with facilities like theatres and music studios.

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.

Opened the debate

Philip Hollobone Con Kettering

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.

Other contributors (2)
  • 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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