Iconic bingo hall on the market for £400,000 as a…

Iconic bingo hall on the market for £400,000 as a major development opportunity

A newly closed bingo hall in the heart of Ayr is up for sale or lease as a major development opportunity comes to market.

Ayr’s beloved Mecca Bingo, at Boswell Park, hosted its last games in February as the club closed its doors after 54 years.

Now the stunning art deco Category B listed building - which dates back to the 1930s and was once a cinema - is on the market at offers over £400,000.

Photographs show the iconic interior in all its glory now that the tables and chairs have been cleared away, as well as a rare glimpse of the upstairs, which wasn’t in use in recent years.

With a gorgeous cream and burgundy colour scheme and many detailed period features, the former entertainment venue is suitable for a variety of uses subject to planning.

The layout is typical for a building of its time with the main auditorium taking up the majority of the floor space running to the full height with much of the original character retained.

Ayr bingo hall, at Boswell Park, is on the market for sale or lease (Shepherd Chartered Surveyors)

The accommodation on the ground floor comprises of; foyer and vestibule, main auditorium, bar, cellarage/stores, kitchen/prep area, staff office, and W.C. facilities.

Accommodation on the upper floor consists of; circle, upper circle, viewing boxes, offices, staff rooms and projection room.

A rare look at the upper floor (Shepherd Chartered Surveyors)

Shepherd partner Kevin Bell said: “The property has Class 11 consent but is suited to a variety of uses subject to planning. Interested parties should make their own enquires with South Ayrshire Council.

“Our clients will consider offers subject to planning although clean offers are preferred. Interested parties are advised to formally note interest as a closing date may be set.”

The main auditorium, with many notable period features (Shepherd Chartered Surveyors)

The 31,000 sq ft property occupies a prominent position in the town set amongst a variety of licenced, leisure and retail users. A large car park lies adjacent to the property.

The site has a long-standing history entertaining thousands over the years- including a performance from 'Ol’ Blue Eyes' Frank Sinatra on July 12, 1953.

Before being demolished after World War I, the building was once occupied under the Boswell Park Pavilion Cinema, converted in 1914 by George Green from the previous Boswell Park Roller Skating Rink, established in 1911.

A new cinema, named the Playhouse, was built for George Green in 1923 by architect John Fairweather with a seating capacity of 1,700, before being burnt down.

Fairweather then designed The Ayr Playhouse which stands to this day.

It opened on July 8, 1931 and with 3,104 seats was the third largest cinema to be built in Scotland. The only other cinema of this scale to survive in Scotland is Fairweather’s Edinburgh Playhouse.

Offers over £400,000 or rent offers over £60,000 per annum are invited for the bingo hall today.

Interested parties should contact the sole selling and letting agent for further information on 01292 267987.

Iconic bingo hall on the market for £400,000 as a major development opportunity

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