Mecca Bingo in York sold to developers who are ‘reviewing all options’ for its future
York leisure landmark Mecca Bingo has new owners.
Two developers, North Star and Grantside, have teamed up to buy the venue on Fishergate, for an undisclosed sum.
It follows another deal by the pair last month, when they bought the Grade II listed property which houses Kuda nightclub.
The Mecca building was purpose-built for bingo, and also offers electronic games, a café and bar, and has its own car park.
It was built on the site of the legendary York Rialto club where The Beatles performed four times in the 1960s.
Grantside’s founder and chief executive officer Steve Davis said: “This is a key site for York and a gateway into the city centre.
“We are currently reviewing all our options for the future of it and how it can add to York’s landscape.
“This deal follows our other recent joint venture with North Star. We are both proud York businesses and understand the importance of both sites we have bought recently.”
Mecca Bingo owner Rank Group slumped to a £59.4 million pre-tax loss for the six months to December 31 against profits of £48.2 million a year ago as its venues were forced to close during the pandemic – and then were hampered by curfews and tight restrictions when they were allowed to open.
‘Bring nightclub back to life’
Grantside and North Star’s first joint venture came in March, with the purchase of the building on Clifford Street which is home to both Kuda and York Dungeon.
The 23,282 sq ft property was bought from BAE Systems Pension Fund.
The former nightclub owner has been placed into administration and “a new operator is now being sought”, the companies said.
At the time Steve Davis said: “This is a significant city centre site well-known for its outstanding architecture. As a partnership of York developers, we know the building well, and we are thrilled to have secured this investment.
“Being based in York we understand the important need in York for nightlife venues to attract young people, students and clubbers and regenerate the city’s night-time economy as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We aim to bring the venue back to life with this use as the building has amazing potential and will be marketed to suitable venue operators in order to boost the city’s night-time offer.”