Historic Taunton Bingo Hall Closes After 45 Years of Operation

A Grade-II listed entertainment venue in Taunton is set to close on Sunday, marking the end of a 45-year tenure as a bingo hall. The Mecca Bingo hall, housed in the historic Gaumont Palace building that originally opened in 1932, will cease operations following the expiration of its lease and significant maintenance demands. The closure has sparked renewed interest in preserving the building's heritage status among local residents and a community-led restoration group.

The Venue's Long History

The Gaumont Palace Theatre first opened its doors in 1932 as an entertainment destination. Throughout the 1960s, the venue hosted major musical acts including The Beatles, Queen, and The Rolling Stones. The building later transformed into an Odeon Cinema during the 1970s before becoming a Mecca Bingo hall in the 1980s, a role it has maintained for over four decades. Somerset Council confirmed the lease expires in 2028 and stated the operator must comply with repairing obligations until that date concludes.

Why the Closure Happened

Mecca Bingo attributed the decision to "considerable repairs" needed at the venue and the imminent end of its lease arrangement. A company spokesperson told the BBC: "The venue has been a part of the local community for over 40 years, and we want to say a huge thank you to all of our customers and teams. It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to close Mecca Taunton on Sunday 7th June." Despite regular customer attendance, the financial burden of maintaining a listed building proved insurmountable for the operator.

Community Response and Future Plans

The closure has prompted significant local concern. Project Gaumont, a cooperative group dedicated to reclaiming the lease from Somerset Council, has gathered more than 2,700 petition signatures supporting a return to entertainment and arts programming. Long-time visitors expressed surprise and disappointment at the news. Jan Webber, who remembers the building's cinema era, voiced hope it could revert to that purpose, allowing older residents without transport to access cultural venues locally.