The Not Another Nightclub in Kingston campaigners have vowed to continue fighting against a 24 hour license in respect of the former Gala Bingo club. The new owners have said that they are not looking to develop the site into a nightclub in the latest documents submitted to the Kingston Council last week.

An application by Matthew Deith and Malcolm Farquharson was submitted on January 6, for a licence including all-day drinking, music, dancing and sporting events for Kingston Arena and the latest documents look to address concerns raised by interested parties: “The vision for the Arena is to provide a community space which will be multifaceted in its use.

“The supply and consumption of alcohol will be incidental to the main purpose of the Arena which is to provide a community and entertainment space.”

The secretary of the Richmond Road Residents’ Association, Bernadette Vallely, commented: “The premise of their business plan is not right. They have used clever and careful wording and have spent a lot of time and money.

“We are going to oppose it. They still want to open to 3am, they are still asking for a 24 hour licence. Everyone we talk to says it’s not on.

“They haven’t talked to the community, they have refused to meet with the community. They don’t know what the Kingston community is doing. It’s a business not a community facility.”

Nicola Duffey from the Not Another Nightclub in Kingston campaign, added: “I think they are just going through the motions.

“The impact will be detrimental to the community. Regardless of what they are trying to package it as, 2,000 people is a lot of people. Kingston has one of the most dangerous nightclubs in the whole of London, we need to nip this in the bud.”

The council are yet to set a date for the council’s licensing sub-committee hearing. During the hearing the views of local residents and businesses will be considered.