Two years after saving Canvey Island Bingo, Rio Social and Leisure Ltd is hoping to do the same in Wisbech, with the company taking on the lease of the town’s Empire Bingo Hall which closed in July. 

Owner Paul Austin-Roberts told the Wisbech Standard that plans are afoot to have the historic Hill Street venue back up and running this December,operating as a paper-only enterprise with link-up games.

“We definitely want to be open before Christmas,” said Austin-Roberts. “I know people are excited for us to reopen, and we plan to do so as soon as we can. We will keep people updated, and hopefully they won’t have to wait too much longer.”

“We believe there is still a lot of potential at the Empire and we hope to develop that.”

The Empire was previously operated by Winners Bingo, which closed the hall this summer with just one day’s notice to both staff and customers.

Austin-Roberts said Rio aims to employ as many of the team who previously worked at the hall as possible, while recruiting further staff from the local community.

“The Empire will be open seven evenings a week for bingo playing, as well as hosting three afternoon sessions.