We understand from Rank Plc. that Taunton’s Mecca Bingo is currently trading profitably and is safe. Bingo is a popular pastime in Taunton and attracts an average of 2,000 players every week. That is more than the average attendance at the Brewhouse theatre, and for that reason bingo is a core attraction.
By way of comparison, the Brewhouse sells in the region of 1,000 tickets per week, and received £200,000 in subsidy from Taunton Deane council this year while Mecca Bingo contributes in the region of £40,000 per annum in business rates. Why is the council planning to spend £25 million on a new Brewhouse but showing very little interest in having a policy for the future of the Gaumont?
However, bingo clubs throughout the country have been hit hard by the smoking ban and recent changes in tax legislation and Taunton is not immune from these effects. At the present time, bingo in the Gaumont is having to bear the full costs of rent, business rates, insurance, cleaning security, maintenance and utility bills. Additional attractions in the building would take a share of that cost and would be a popular and valuable addition to entertainment in Taunton and Somerset.
It is envisaged that the building would be open for thirteen hours each day and would require two shifts to cover operating the building. That implies in the region of 150 pleasant new jobs for Taunton and visiting productions would typically have crews of 50 people who would all need bed and breakfast. In the event that major international artists come to the town, or famous companies such as Glyndebourne and English National Opera, then there will be a substantial increase in the amount of accommodation required.
In addition to that, the proposed Arts and Entertainment Centre would be a major tourist attraction for Taunton and the West Country, and would be a major advantage for the area in the battle to attract companies considering relocation out of cramped city premises. That could add considerably to the number of jobs which would be directly created by the centre.
However I will add that Art and Bingo DO NOT MIX
Current proposals are that the present foyer of the building could be turned into an bar and arts and crafts gallery This room is between the entrance of the building and the auditorium.
We envisage that a long bar serving from both sides would run down the centre of this room. Coffee could be served from either end of the bar and works of art and craft work could be displayed on the walls.
A new bingo club would be constructed in the building which might be located in the former restaurant/ballroom above the entrance. I understand that this room is currently unused.
Jim Laflin, founder of Project Gaumont.