An application to turn the Mecca Bingo building in Watford into a shop and 25 flats has been lodged.

The bingo hall, which has been in King Street for 28 years, has now closed permanently with most of the building set to be demolished for the new development.

The plans, which are pending consideration by Watford Borough Council, propose to keep the existing Art Deco facade of the building and construct a new building behind it, complete with amenity space and car parking for the new homes.

Developer, Bushey-based Heronslea Group, is also seeking to incorporate a retail unit in the new development, which will take the form of a single-story block.

Watford’s Mecca Bingo closed after trading on Sunday, November 9, but the company said it would be looking for a new site in the town.

Lesly Clifford, spokesman for Mecca Bingo, said: "We never take the decision to close a club lightly. However, the Watford club has been struggling for some time. Compared to some of our other clubs, it has poor facilities and a lack of parking which has contributed to a dwindling customer base.

"We have received a competitive offer for the site, which makes good commercial sense for us to accept. We plan to reinvest the proceeds of the sale in the business and would like to retain a presence in Watford.

"Over the coming months we will be looking for a new site where we can build a purpose-built club with excellent facilities and plenty of car parking, but it is likely to take a long time to find the right site, in the right location at the right price."

The planning application for the site was submitted to the council on October 29, and the neighbour consultation expires on November 21.

Residents have expressed concerns that more of the original building should be retained in the new development.

Andrew Head said the loss of the building, in particular the Art Deco interior, could be avoided if a different operator had been sought for its operation as a cinema.

He commented: "The planned retention of the frontage is however to be welcomed, and it would be good if the redevelopment included a permanent plaque recording the history of the original cinema and the retained Art Deco frontage."

He said the designs link in well with existing buildings in King Street and Granville Street, but added there should be restriction on signage for the planned retail unit so as not to detract from the frontage.

Collette Fahy, who also commented on the application, worried the new homes would increase congestion in the area. 

Heronslea Group was unavailable for comment at the time of going to print.