Teeside Leisure Park Synonymous with Casinos Reshaping for Family Attractions
Aerial view of Teesside Shopping Park, Stockton-on-Tees, where former casinos like the Gala Casino now sit vacant amid economic shifts and the rise of family attractions. (Image: A.P.S. (UK) / Alamy)
The Teesside area has seen a notable decline in number of its casino destinations over the years, marked by the closure of established venues that once contributed to the local entertainment scene. Now a large part of a building, which once housed a casino, is up for rent.
It is not the first casino to have closed in Teesside amid changes in the family entertainment industry and a downturn in the economy. The closures leave a wake of unemployment and empty buildings.
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Job Losses When Rainbow Casino Closed
Among the most significant closures was that of the Rainbow Casino, formerly located at Teesside Leisure Park. Originally opening its doors in the 1990s, this casino was a vibrant part of the community until it closed permanently in September 2016, leading to the loss of around 30 jobs. The closure came as a result of ongoing local economic challenges that ultimately rendered the business unsustainable.
At the time of its closure, the Rainbow Casino had become a familiar fixture for many residents and visitors alike. Despite its rich history and efforts to attract patrons, the venue struggled amidst changing consumer behaviours and the proliferation of alternative entertainment options in the area. The announcement of its impending closure was met with disappointment, particularly among staff who had been employed at the casino, as it had been one of the last establishments of its kind in the region.
Following the Rainbow Casino's closure, Teesside Leisure Park has been undergoing a significant transformation to revitalise the area and adapt to modern recreational trends.
The site has welcomed new attractions, including the Ninja Warrior adventure park and the Hollywood Bowl, which recently saw substantial renovations and the addition of a mini golf course.
In the wake of these developments, the unit that once housed the Gala Casino, which had been vacant for years, has recently entered the rental market again, reflecting the shifting landscape of leisure and entertainment in Teesside. This 15,658-square-foot retail space, now available for rent, underscores a growing trend toward diversifying the offerings in the region and catering to a broader range of traders.
Land-Based Casinos Facing Economic Challenges
The closure of these casinos highlights the ongoing economic challenges within Teesside, but the area’s response—seeking to diversify and revitalise itself—demonstrates a resilient community eager to adapt and thrive in the face of change.
The future of Teesside Leisure Park, once synonymous with gambling and nightlife, is now being reshaped to foster new family-friendly attractions that can draw visitors and sustain local employment in a fresh, invigorated capacity.
Meet The Author
News WriterMost of my career was spent in teaching including at one of the UK’s top private schools. I left London in 2000 and set up home in Wales raising four beautiful children. I enrolled at University where I studied Photography and film and gained a Degree and subsequently a Masters Degree. In 2014 I helped launch a new local newspaper and managed to get front and back page as well as 6 filler pages on a weekly basis. I saw that journalism was changing and was a pioneer of hyperlocal news in Wales. In 2017 I started one of the first 24/7 free independent news sites for Wales. Having taken that to a successful business model I was keen for a new challenge. Joining the company is exciting for me especially as it is a new role in Europe. I am keen to establish myself and help others to do the same.
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