The Mecca Bingo club in All Saints Green, Norwich is likely to be demolished next year. The club was forced to close earlier this year after major structural defects were discovered. It had been hoped at the time that the club would re-open, however, following investigations this was quickly ruled out as the costs of repairs made it uneconomical.

As the club closed 27 staff were at risk of losing their jobs. Mecca spokesperson, Lesly Clifford, suggested seven people who worked at the All Saints Green bingo hall had been transferred to other Mecca Bingo clubs.

Plans have now been submitted to Norwich City Council to demolish the building which has been a prominent feature of the town since opening as a cinema in 1932.

The land is currently owned by London-based Telereal Trillium, although Mecca Bingo still holds the lease. The owner said that demolishing the building was a priority due to its condition and it would look at that to do with the site “shortly”.

With a number of recent announcements of regeneration in the area including John Lewis confirming a £7 million revamp last month and the 11-storey Westlegate House being purchased last summer after standing empty for 15 years, locals are hoping that further investment will be attracted if the demolition plans are supported by the council.

Richard Marks, general manager of John Lewis, said: “We don’t know the detail of what’s planned at the bingo site but I think from our point of view any regeneration has to be good news for this bit of the city, Westlegate and the city generally.

“The whole Westlegate area is in need of some investment and we are very much in favour. Anything that helps link this part of the city with the rest and helps people navigate their way through has to be encouraging.”

Bert Bremner, Norwich City Council cabinet member for planning and transport, said: “The area was a thriving hub of Norwich and there’s now a regeneration aspect to it, which is very positive.”