Date of closure: 1st August 2009
Address (for reference only):
Gala Bingo
Anchor Road
Walsall
WS9 8PT
Gala Bingo Walsall finally closed in 2009 after a financial struggle due to increased bingo taxation. The hall lasted 40 years before becoming victim to the pressures that have affected bingo halls big and small up and down the country.
The club was located in the Old Avion Super Cinema, which opened in 1938. The theatre, although not one of the largest, was nevertheless an impressive venue. Its use as a variety hall required a stage, and several dressing rooms. Decorated in the 1930s cinema Art Deco standard, the exterior was ‘Odeon like’, and at night it had neon lighting to attract passing trade. Although the exterior tiles were removed, it remained otherwise in its original condition. The building was put up for sale in 2009, although we are not sure of what has happened since then. Do you know what has happened to the building? We’d love to hear from you, so please contact us if you can shed some light on what is happening with the building at the moment.
By Gareth Whieldon (July 2010)
Update
The club is now owned by JD Wetherspoons, and will be opening as The Avion Wetherspoons in July 2013.
By Gareth Whieldon/Marc (May 2013)
