Mecca plans return to Wolverhampton

Bingo halls chain Mecca today announced plans to move back to Wolverhampton, creating 50 jobs at a new music, eating and gaming complex.

The company says it wants to open a "new-style" bingo hall in the city.

Mecca is searching for a site for the complex, which would have live entertainment and food service. The previous Mecca Bingo in Wolverhampton city centre closed down in 2007. Managing director Mark Jones said Mecca had carried out a market research project all over the UK.

Wolverhampton stood out as one of the "top locations" for a new bingo hall.

Customers fought to save the former bingo hall, at the old Odeon in Skinner Street, but it closed, with bosses blaming the smoking ban.

Locations in the city centre are being investigated as well as anywhere else in Wolverhampton that meets the criteria.

"We are confident it would prove popular. Our new-style clubs offer live entertainment, great tasting food which is cooked to order and the chance to take part in some fun gaming," Mr Jones said.

City council leader Roger Lawrence today welcomed the news. "We see any new jobs as very welcome indeed," he said.

Mecca is offering a fee for successful suggestions. Anyone who would like to suggest a location can call Chris Warren on 02071 525209.