Makeover for derelict bingo hall

A derelict building in Ashford town centre is being transformed into a work of art this week.

A large piece of interactive art is set to adorn the former Mecca Bingo hall, which closed to the public last year.

The angel wing mural being painted onto the wooden hoarding at the main entrance will include the history of the building as an ex-Odeon cinema.

Loveashford’s Town Centre Regeneration team is working with artist and designer Aimee Godden on the project. The team hopes to transform other sites across the town if the project is well-received.

Aimee, who also sells handmade crafts in Made in Ashford and is an ambassador for the Love Disfigure campaign, contacted the Loveashford team with a proposal to deliver art piece in Ashford town centre.

She said: “The feedback has been really positive so far. Lots of people seem to be happy that the design represents the history of the building.

“This is the initial concept and a test run to see how the public engage with it. I hope to have it finished by the end of the week.

“There is also going to be a hashtag attached, so people can take photos and put them onto social media.”

Work on the mural is expected to be complete by the end of this week. You can follow progress on Instagram via @gracefullyboho and @loveashford

Last week, council bosses cordoned off the building to stop vandals climbing onto the roof. Ashford Borough Council revealed plans to redevelop the site earlier this year and transform it into a leisure complex.