Petition launched against plan to turn Mecca Bingo Hackney Road into high-rise flats

Now closed: the Mecca Bingo building on Hackney Road. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Plans to convert the Mecca Bingo building on Hackney Road into high-rise flats have been met with outrage, with those opposed arguing the development will create a “visual eyesore” out of character with neighbouring buildings.

Mecca Bingo on Hackney Road closed its doors in June last year after more than half a century in business.

Under proposals unveiled earlier this month, the Hackney Road site will be converted into a 16-storey building of 120 flats, along with 1,350 square metres of office space.

A petition has been launched against the plans, supporters of which want to ‘Keep Hackney Road’s Mecca Bingo Mega not Meagre’.

The petition argues the scheme “does nothing with regards to upholding … its aesthetic, doesn’t offer any subsidised work or living space and will overlook most residential properties surrounding it”.

It states the proposed design “in no way reflects a vibrant, artistic and creative community. It does not offer communal spaces (shops are not communal venues) or offer up perhaps a music or arts venue to benefit and engage those around it.”

A number of those supporting the petition have slammed the plans for failing to offer sufficient community space and being out of character with existing buildings in the area.

Edmund Curtis, who is one of the signatories of the petition commented: “This was once a beautiful building that has good architectural character. What is being proposed to replace it not only would be unaffordable to the local community but a visual eyesore to the area.”

Deborah Ball, another resident, added: “I don’t want Hackney carved up and sold off to the highest bidder, with no consideration for the community of people that live in it, the aesthetic of the area and the genuine diversity and creativity that has made it such a desirable place to live. You can’t buy that.”

‘Stop the block’: a poster protesting against the new development pasted on the Mecca Bingo building. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Nick Perry, Chair of the Hackney Society, which works to promote high standards of planning and architecture in the borough, said he will be meeting the developer, LBS Properties Limited, to discuss the project.

Mr Perry said: “It’s clear from the initial presentation to the public that their plans are ambitious and on an unprecedented scale for the area.

“For a successful development of this magnitude the designs will have to evolve to take into account all the public feedback and a final proposal will need to offer exceptional public benefits.”

Your Shout, part of Thorncliffe Communications Ltd, is currently holding a consultation on the proposals and residents, businesses, and community groups are invited to submit their feedback before the planning is submitted to Hackney Council.

The developers have outlined a number of key benefits of the development which they say includes helping to reduce the current housing shortage by providing 120 new homes, a number of which are intended to be affordable.

They say it represents “a high-quality, sustainable approach to design” that  “will transform a redundant property into a prestigious landmark building that will provide an active frontage along a key arterial route through Hackney.”

Note: This article was amended at 5:05pm on Thursday 26 May 2016. The story originally quoted the petition’s claim that the building is Grade II listed, whereas in fact it is not.

Happier times: one of the final nights at Mecca Bingo. Photograph: Hackney Citizen