Bingo Hall Could Become Wales’s First ‘Flip Out’ Adventure Centre

_{Plans are underway to transform the former bingo hall in Cwmbran Centre into Wales' first Flip Out Adventure Centre. (Image: Chris Howes/Wild Places Photography / Alamy)}

Bingo halls are fast becoming repurposed as today’s audiences opt for alternative pastimes, with some becoming home to slot arcades and mini casinos.

Bingo, while still popular, has shaken off its raincoat and trolley image and now boasts event bingo and online bingo to capture a younger generation.

Cwmbran is the latest town to adopt alternative plans for their bingo hall, located on the former bingo and bowling site in Cwmbran Centre.

Flip Out Centre First in Wales 

The application for a new venture known as "Flip Out” has been submitted by L & C Investments Limited. The proposals include various attractions on two floors, with the ground floor set to house party rooms, a ninja playground, soft play areas, an arcade, and a café. The first floor will feature inflatables, trampolines, slides, a roller rink, drift trikes, and laser quest.

If approved on the vacant site at units 34-36 The Mall, it would signal the arrival of the first Flip Out park in Wales. The building was formerly used for retail, bingo, and cinema. The site is just 0.3 miles (0.48 km) from Cwmbran Railway Station.

Flip Out may be new to Wales, but the company, known for its indoor adventure parks, currently operates 30 parks across the UK. They have centres in Hereford and there are plans for centres in Leeds and Livingston. 

The company says that the new venture will create approximately 40 full-time and part-time jobs with the proposed opening hours for the park from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm, and Sunday, 10am to 8pm. 

Planning Application Looks Positive  

The future of the centre looks favourable, despite the area's history of flooding. The plans also fall within the boundaries of the local and national planning policies and comply with the Torfaen County Borough Council Local Development Plan.

It also supports national planning policy for using previously developed land and providing community facilities.

Given the number of positives and having not been deemed as having any detrimental impact, the planning statement concludes that the proposal should be granted permission.