Bingo hall located in Wisbech’s Empire Theatre closes - leaving future of Grade II* listed building up in the air
The future of a historic Grade II* Wisbech theatre remains up in the air as its current managers have decided to close its bingo hall.
It was once Wisbech’s grandest cinema, but now, the Empire Theatre will be closing its doors to customers.
The theatre has been occupied by Winners Bingo for several years, before the company suddenly announced its closure over the weekend.
Owners have put its closure down to seeing a decline in attendees coming to play bingo, which was held on Thursday and Saturday.
A spokesperson for the Winners at Wisbech said: “We have lost around 30 to 40% of our customers.
“Income has not been generating enough profits to cover increasing costs.”
Winners Bingo, which also has another branch in Thetford, announced the news on its website over the weekend, leaving some of its regular attendees upset.
The post said: “We regret to announce that Winners Bingo in Wisbech will be permanently closing on Sunday, July 13.
“We thank our wonderful staff and customers for their continued support over many years.”
Many regular bingo-goers have been left unhappy with the decision, sparking the launch of a petition.
The creator of the petition, Donna Wright, has described the bingo hall as a “lifeline” for some people and that it acts as a “social hub”.
She said: “Our local community needs our bingo hall.
“For a lot of people, it is literally a lifeline. It's not just bingo, it’s a social hub. It has an amazing staff and great atmosphere. It needs sponsors, local support and council backing.
“Our town needs this. Don’t let another Wisbech staple go.”
The petition has attracted almost 200 signatures so far.
The Empire Theatre, located on the corner of Little Church Street and Hill Street, first opened in November 1932.
The Grade II* listed building has been described as having an “art deco” interior which has barely been altered.
It acted as a cinema until the 1970s, and continued showing theatre performances until 2004.
In 2004, UCI Cinemas merged with Odeon Cinemas, and the Empire, among other venues, was sold to Empire Cinemas Ltd.
Norman G Jacobs formed the Jacobs Theatre and Leisure group in 1942 and acquired or leased several venues, including the Empire Theatre.
