Bingo fans in Wallsend are reportedly bracing for a blow: word has circulated that Buzz Bingo Wallsend will close on 18 January, sparking concern among local regulars.
History of Uncertainty
The potential demise of Wallsend’s bingo venue isn’t new. Back in May 2023, BingoDaily reported that a planning application had been submitted to North Tyneside Council seeking to repurpose the Buzz Bingo site into a “non-food discount retailer.” The proposal raised alarm among local players, especially those who see the bingo hall not simply as a place to play, but as a centre for community interaction.
At that time, Buzz Bingo’s Wallsend general manager, Bryan Maughan, acknowledged the fears but also emphasised the club’s value to the community. He stated that the venue was “more than just a place to play bingo; it performs an important social function … particularly for older residents.”
LOL Bingo Steps In
In a twist of fate, just months later, LOL Bingo opened a lounge in Wallsend. The chain converted a vacant High Street unit — once earmarked as a potential replacement for Buzz Bingo — into a modern, compact bingo lounge with 38 terminals, 44 slot machines, and a comfortable, service-focused environment.
According to LOL’s Mike Smith, the company entered the Wallsend market partly due to the uncertainty surrounding Buzz Bingo’s future and concerns that local players might be left without a venue. The opening was broadly welcomed, with LOL positioning itself as a friendly alternative offering value, flexibility, and a strong local presence.
Current Status: No Official Confirmation
Despite the reports of a closing date, Buzz Bingo has not responded to requests for comment. Our most recent inquiry received no reply, and the company has not issued a public statement regarding a January 18 shutdown. Without an official confirmation, the claims remain unverified.
Meanwhile, the venue remains listed on Buzz Bingo’s website, with its opening hours still displayed as 11:30 AM to midnight.
What We Know
The suggestion of an imminent shutdown follows a longer-running saga over the future of the Middle Engine Lane site. In 2023, a formal planning application was submitted to North Tyneside Council seeking to change the club’s use to retail (a “non-food discount retailer”), sparking hundreds of objections from local residents who warned the loss of the hall would leave a social and leisure gap in the town.
Public records show the redevelopment process has continued into 2025. Documents filed on the Planning Portal in January 2025 relate to the same Middle Engine Lane site and indicate an interested retail operator and associated site works — details that point toward a move to repurpose the building rather than retain it as a bingo club.
Looking Ahead
At this stage, the fate of Buzz Bingo Wallsend remains unclear. Local bingo-goers are anxiously watching for confirmation, and LOL Bingo stands ready to serve as a community alternative if Buzz does pull out.
Bingo Daily will continue to press Buzz Bingo for clarity on the January 18 date and will report back immediately if we receive any official response.
The post Buzz Bingo Wallsend Reportedly Closing on January 18 appeared first on BingoDaily.