Worthing Buzz Bingo could be demolished and redeveloped

Cayuga Developments want to knock down Buzz Bingo in Rowlands Road, Worthing, and build 47 flats, six houses and commercial space in its place.

The company recently acquired the freehold of the site.

Cayuga’s director Matt Hoad said the building is in a “poor condition” and said retaining it would be “too difficult”.

He said the company is in discussions with its tenant Buzz Bingo, which is under a lease until 2039, about the plans moving forward.

Proposals are currently being prepared and Cayuga held a public exhibition last week to hear residents’ thoughts about the scheme before an application is submitted.

An artist's impression of what the Buzz Bingo development in Worthing could look like (Image: Cayuga)

Mr Hoad said: “We are seeking the redevelopment of the whole site for a scheme of 47 apartments and six houses, plus some commercial on the ground floor.

“We are proposing to demolish the whole existing building after reviewing the ability to retain it which would be too difficult considering the building’s poor condition and contamination.”

Design boards shown to residents say the development would retain the essential character of the existing frontage onto Rowlands Road, with the addition of one or two additional windows and a top-floor extension.

Two retail/commercial spaces with shop fronts will be created at ground floor level onto Rowlands Road.

Read more: Grade II listed flat will become HMO after plans approved

The height and scale of the rear section of the existing building will be reduced.

“High-quality” residential accommodation will be created on the upper floors and a row of small townhouses with patio gardens will be built on the land at the rear, while also retaining vehicle parking.

The design would also incorporate soft landscaping and the developer said the scheme would achieve a very low-energy design.

Cayuga says the now “shabby and unattractive” building, which has been used as a bingo hall since the 1970s, could be used to help address housing needs in the town.

Planning boards shown at the exhibition said: “Numbers attending have decreased significantly and the proportion of the whole building volume now in use is only around ten per cent.

What the outside of the building could look like (Image: Cayuga)

“No viable use has been found to make effective use of the whole building for over 50 years.

“There is asbestos in the roof and conversion work will be expensive.

“Over the years the condition of the structure has gradually deteriorated. Externally now the building appears shabby and unattractive, particularly at the rear.

“The site is in a sustainable location close to all amenities and public transport, in a desirable part of town. An opportunity is presented therefore, to help address local housing needs by retaining retail at ground level and transforming the rest of the site into characterful residential accommodation whilst also improving its appearance.”

Buzz Bingo recently reopened this year following a refurbishment.

A spokeswoman from Buzz Bingo said: “Buzz Bingo Worthing is open for business with a lease until 2039, and we will continue to serve our local community with the very best service.

“As part of our commitment and investment into the Worthing bingo community, we’ve recently made improvements to the venue's interior and exterior to enhance our customer experience.”