Empty Jarrow bingo hall to be redeveloped into gaming centre, cafe and gym, creating 21 jobs

Earlier this year, plans were lodged with South Tyneside Council to redevelop 96 Ellison Street into a range of potential uses.

The proposals included an adult gaming centre and cafe on the ground floor and a gym, dance or health studio on the first floor.

According to planning documents, the two-storey building is understood to have originally been built as a social club around the time the adjacent Arndale, now Viking, shopping precinct was built in the town centre.

The property has previously traded under a number of guises, including as ‘Hearns’ and ‘Beach Bingo’, and was recently acquired by Overs & Rich Ltd to replace their existing ‘expresso’ amusement centres in Jarrow town centre.

This includes sites at Ellison Street and Grange Road.

The application from Overs & Rich Ltd, states the development would create 21 jobs, including 15 full-time positions and six part-time roles.

As part of the scheme, the former bingo club will be revamped with new shop fronts and doors and a ground floor window display.

The front canopy of the building will also be removed with the remainder of the roof replaced with a ‘new membrane finish’.

Following consultation, South Tyneside Council gave the green light to the proposals on Friday, October 9.

In a decision report, planners said the change of use was in line with a local policy aiming to “bring vacant sites and upper floors back into viable use.”

The report went on to say: “Given the location of the building the development is not considered to result in any adverse amenity or privacy implications by way of noise to neighbouring properties.”

Four Sheffield-style cycle stands will also be installed and made available for customers as part of the plans.

Under planning conditions, the development must be brought forward within the next three years.

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