Call to save 'striking' Art Deco building

A campaigner has called for a historic Art Deco landmark to be saved, after it closed its doors for the final time.

The former Odeon Cinema building on Kettlehouse Road in Kingstanding was built in 1935, it closed in 1962 and then became home to a Mecca Bingo hall, which shut its doors on 7 June.

The hall had been part of local life for more than 60 years, and was granted Grade II listed status in the 1980s.

Mary Keating, from campaign group Brutiful Birmingham, said: "It's important to keep this building, because we lose too many heritage buildings and we lose part of ourselves."

Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Keating called it "a striking example of Odeon architecture".

"We have an example up the road at the Sutton Coldfield Odeon of something being brought back to its original glory.

"They are part of our growing up, our sense of place, our sense of fun, this is a place where people went to be entertained, so they will have fond memories of it."

"Retaining it for that purpose is probably the best thing to do".

In a statement, Mecca Bingo said "it is with a heavy heart that we have closed our Kingstanding club".

"The club has not been profitable for some time and requires considerable repairs and maintenance which made it challenging for the venue to remain in operation."

It said the closure was a difficult decision but it was "working hard to ensure that we have a sustainable estate of vibrant community clubs, and look forward to welcoming customers at our neighbouring venues".