A former Mecca Bingo club in Swindon which closed its doors just two years ago is to be converted to a Music Venue by GVS Entertainment Ltd. The new plans have excited the music fans around the area as it presents significant opportunities.

The building on Regent Circus was sold by Mecca Bingo to the Swindon Borough Council after the company a decline in business as a result of the smoking ban. After a marketing campaign to find a new use for the premises GVS Entertainment Ltd which is a consortium of local businessmen and fronted by local music entrepreneur Steve Causer, entered into negotiations with the Council to turn it into a music venue.

During the negotiations asbestos was found within the building which was removed by contractors funded by The South West Regional Development Agency. A lease has now been signed and work has started to transform the building to allow a standing crowd of up to 2,000

Steve Causer commented: “I am excited that this will make Swindon a major music destination for the South West. We’ve got a lot of ideas and plans for the type of events that the building will be able to host on a national scale as well as supporting the local promoters and groups.

“Being local, and knowing the local scene, for us is a big advantage and we are keen to talk to local groups about using the building, so it stays at the heart of Swindon and Swindon people really benefit.

“Work is underway on the bars, staging, lighting, pretty much the standard stuff you would expect. We have a few twists and additions that will make us different to other venues planned on the build, and we will continue to add to the look and feel even when open, as to us it is a continuous process to keep the venue fresh and welcoming.“

The reception area of the building is to be used as ticket office for all kinds of events within Swindon and the regional area. The venue is expected to open within the next two months.

The Swindon Borough Council deputy leader and cabinet member, Councillor Garry Perkins, added: “I’m very pleased this deal has been concluded, because the plans GVS have for the building have a real potential to boost that part of the town centre and provide Swindon with a great new attraction. They deserve every success.”

The site which was formerly a Mecca Bingo opened originally in 1929 as The Regent Cinema with a seating capacity of 1,322. In the 1950s the cinema was renamed ‘Gaumont’ and the ‘Odeon’ in 1962. In 1974 the cinema was converted to a bingo club and was initially operated under the Top Rank name.