The application to convert a former Gala Bingo club in Cambridge into a burlesque and cabaret club with dancers and other entertainments have been rejected.

No Saints, based in Milton Keynes wanted develop the Greene Room venue at 42 Hobson Street in the city. It applied to the Cambridge City Council's licensing committee to be allowed to sell alcohol, put on plays, live music and dance performances, but the application was unsuccessful due to police opposition.

The company claimed the new venue would be "fantastic" for Cambridge and asked for the license to be extended until 2:30am. However the local police expressed their concern with the plans saying it would have an "adverse consequences for crime and disorder".

Article from 7th January 2010

A former Gala Bingo club is set to be transformed into a large burlesque club in Cambridge city centre. Bosses of No Saints Ltd, who are behind the plans, are hoping to cash in on the craze with resident dancing girls.

The Art Deco gaming establishment closed its doors in June 2009 and is listed as a “building of local interest”.

The former bingo club on Hobson Street will put on live shows including burlesque, popera, jazz, soul, comedy nights and fashion shows. The Greene Room will offer live entertainment with five resident burlesque dancers.

The Milton Keynes-based chain has submitted an alcohol licence application to Cambridge City Council. Meetings have been arranged with Police to discuss the plans for the site which is in a cumulative impact zone – an area with tight licensing controls because of drink-related disorder.

Company spokeswoman, Lucy Herlihy, commented: “It will be fantastic for Cambridge which is perfect for what we have planned for the venue.

“It will be like nothing you have ever seen before. The Greene Room attracts the over 25s market with a sophisticated ‘feel like a celebrity’ experience.

“The all-seated venue offers exclusive table service alongside cutting-edge entertainment. The Greene Room will be home to the ‘Resident Dollz’, a troupe of cabaret dancers complementing the main act of the evening.

“The costumes for the Resident Dollz in Milton Keynes alone will be costing in excess of £25,000 and will be new age vaudeville and burlesque with a contemporary vision – a mix of Vegas meets Paris.

“The Greene Room will open in Milton Keynes in 2011, and we are looking at suitable locations around the country.

“Both the city of Cambridge and the premises in Hobson Street has been identified as an ideal location and venue for The Greene Room.”

A licensing hearing has been scheduled for 17th January at 11am at the Guildhall.