Newcastle bingo hall re-opens as new arts venue

Pictured: How NE6 Suite looked before the recent refurbishment.

A derelict Tyneside bingo hall will re-open as a new venue for comedy next month. 

The Welbeck hall in Walker, Newcastle, once attracted film and variety show audiences of up to 800 in its 1930s heyday – but has stood empty since closing its doors for the last time one year ago.

But thanks to brothers Paul and David Weild from the area, the art deco building is undergoing a major refurbishment and will re-open in November as an event venue called the NE6 Suite.

Work has already begun to transform the interior, which still houses much of the original tiered cinema seating.

And Paul, from Walker, says the Scrogg Road building can once again become a leading arts hub.

He said: “The building is an absolute gem. For decades it was the glittering heart of the community at Walker and we very much hope that it will be again.

“We grew up here and it’s been heart-breaking seeing a building, which bought so much pleasure to so many people for so long, falling into disrepair – especially when is has so much untapped potential.”

The venue, which can accommodate up to 800 people, offers a balcony area and two bars, all of which are being refurbished in the first wave of a rolling programme of renovations.

NE6 Suite opens on Saturday 23 November with a show headlined by Viz creator Simon Donald.

Tickets are £5.