A former Newark bingo hall will be turned into a hotel after plans were approved.
Pery’s Bingo used to be located in the commercial Castle Gate building in Newark-on-Trent before it closed down in May 2024.
Despite the unit being empty for months, and it being marketed for an “extended period” of time, developers say there was “no interest” from potential tenants to repurpose it.
Now, the vacant unit will be turned into a 42-bedroom hotel after plans were approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council on Wednesday (April 8).
The Castle Gate building already houses a bowling alley, restaurant and offices, where the new hotel will take over the second-floor lobby and former bingo hall.
A dedicated hotel entrance will be made at the ground floor, along with a staircase and lift.
Planning documents say “several reuse options” were explored but that hotel accommodation was found to be the “most appropriate and sustainable solution” for the building.
Developers added the hotel would help address a shortfall of this type of accommodation in Newark town centre and support local employment.
The new business is set to create three full-time jobs and six part-time positions.
Proposals say “certain issues”, such as a lack of windows and potential noise from the bowling alley underneath will be addressed, while hotel rooms will have new rooflights and be insulated against any sound.
Documents state: “The building’s location, close to the town centre, tourist attractions, and transport hubs, is a significant asset.
“The lack of windows can be addressed through mechanical ventilation, while rooflights can provide natural light, enhancing comfort and sustainability.
“The absence of external views is not considered a significant issue for a town centre hotel, where guests typically stay for short periods and spend most of their time away from their rooms.”
The new hotel is not the only revamp the building is undergoing, where planning permission was recently granted in January 2026 for part of the building to be converted into 24 apartments.
