The New Journal revealed last month how the number was up for bingo in Camden Town

PLANNING chiefs have been asked to allow a famous bingo hall to be turned into a “secret” theatre venue.

The New Journal last month reported how regulars had been left in dismay at our revelations that Mecca Bingo in Arlington Road would soon be closing.

Now any chance of a change of heart seems unlikely as the Town Hall has already been asked to approve plans for a new use of the grand hall.

The Secret Group has outlined their proposals in an application which officials are mulling over before deciding on planning consent ­– but the applicants say they will be making few structural changes and their idea for the venue will ensure it does not stand empty for years once the last bingo ball has rolled.

It will create a space for immersive theatre shows, which are now booming in popularity in London and bring audiences as close as possible to the action.

Not too far away, a Peaky Blinders experience show in Camden Market has won rave reviews.

The Secret Group has brought to life classic films like Dirty Dancing, Blade Runner and Casino Royale as well as top TV shows like Strange Things.

The Mecca Bingo hall in Camden Town

The company said its overhaul of what was being offered would bring new visitors to Camden Town, create jobs and deter people involved in anti-social behaviour.

It said in a statement: “SGL are in a great position to revitalise the property and create another flagship immersive experience venue in the heart of the borough. In its lifetime, the building has been through a number of changes in use, to fit in with the ever-changing entertainment needs of the public, and we hope we can work together to bring this much loved local building into its next use.”

SEE ALSO NO MORE FULL HOUSES! CAMDEN TOWN BINGO HALL SET TO CLOSE

The landmark building was constructed in the 1930s and had previously been a cinema.

The Rank organisation later renamed it Mecca and still owns the company and Grosvenor Casinos. It said in a statement: “Trading has been tough across hospitality, and regular bingo players have been slow to return to halls since the pandemic. As a result, despite the prime location of our Camden club, we are not seeing the footfall required to ensure the continued operation of the venue as a bingo hall.”

It added: “180 Arlington Road has been a Mecca Bingo for 55 years and rather than mothball the site, we are keen to secure its future. Having reviewed various options we are confident that Secret Cinema’s proposal will build on the site’s great heritage of community, excitement and entertainment, and offers the best solution both for the venue and the area.”

Bingo halls have been closing up and down the country with more than half the clubs in the UK closing since the pandemic.

When the New Journal talked to players inside the club last month, they told how it was a “lifeline” for elderly people who still played, and enjoyed the social side of the experience as much as the game itself.