Bingo Returns to Southport as LOL Entertainment Eyes Lord Street Revival

_{Southport’s Lavish store on Lord Street may soon buzz again with bingo balls and slot machines. (Image: Jim Booth/Alamy)}

A new chapter for Southport's Lord Street could begin with the tap of a bingo dauber. LOL Entertainment has submitted plans to convert a long-empty furniture shop into a boutique bingo and slots lounge.

Business owner Michael Smith is seeking approval from Sefton Council to open a LOL Bingo venue at 229-231 Lord Street, previously home to Lavish furniture store. The property has been vacant for nearly two years.

If approved, it would be LOL's third site, joining existing venues in Manchester's Harpurhey and Wallsend, Newcastle. Sefton Council has yet to rule on the application, which seeks a change of use from retail to leisure. If approved, LOL Bingo would bring new life to a prominent but dormant Lord Street location.

Luxury Lounge Aims to Fill Bingo Void

Southport hasn't had an operational bingo hall since Mecca Bingo on Garrick Parade closed in April 2021, a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Bingo had been a staple offering in Lord Street," Smith said in a statement to the council. 

He described the loss of local clubs as the disappearance of a "valuable community asset."

LOL Bingo pitches itself as a modern alternative to traditional bingo halls. The proposed 200 sqm venue would create eight jobs, split evenly between full- and part-time roles. Smith is seeking operating hours from 10 a.m. to midnight.

The company plans to install a disabled toilet and modify the interior of the listed building, subject to listed building consent.

Tapping Into Nostalgia and Community Spirit

Smith, who has personal ties to Southport, said the town holds special meaning for him.

"My father grew up in Southport... Following my father’s passing, my mother would regularly take us to Southport, and I can still remember spending time on Lord Street," he said.

He added that LOL aims to be more than just a gaming venue. 

"We pride ourselves on supporting the local area... all staff will be recruited from Southport postcodes. Importantly, we work to create a community feel and give people a place to meet friends and make new ones."

From Empty Storefront to Entertainment Hub

According to the planning statement, the venue would occupy only the ground floor. The upper floors, run by landlord McComb Property Services, are accessed independently.

The unit is flanked by the Auld Dubliner pub and the Scarisbrick Hotel. LOL argues that its low-noise operation would be a suitable addition to the area, especially given the number of vacant retail units nearby.

The submission outlines LOL's goal to revitalize high streets by introducing leisure-focused businesses that attract pedestrian footfall. 

"LOL Bingo is a digitalised, town centre located, local community concept which seeks to replace the conventional edge of town Bingo Hall operation," the firm said.

The venue's employment plans and Think 25 gambling policy were also highlighted. Customers would receive staff interaction and free coffee, with the aim of combating social isolation among older patrons.