New CGIs show what an iconic bingo hall could look like if it is converted into flats.

The former Buzz Bingo site in Chatham town centre has been earmarked for 230 apartments and a few shops.

Bristol-based firm Donard Living bought the entertainment centre and plans to transform it into a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats split between two buildings.

It also proposes to have amenity and commercial space, car parking, extensive landscaping, a play area, and private outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The homes themselves will be low-cost and energy-efficient, generating up to 60% less carbon than required by current building regulations.

Paul Thornton, of Donard Living, said: "We believe these new homes proposals will transform this area of Chatham, breathing new life into a long disused site.

"We look forward to sharing our plans with the community."

The firm – which is also building 374 apartments at Bardell Wharf in Rochester – is now holding a public exhibition to unveil its homes plans for the former bingo site.

The location has been an entertainment venue for more than 80 years, starting life as the Ritz Cinema in 1937. It closed in 1972 and was converted into a bingo hall.

It was under the ownership of Gala when it was struck by a huge blaze in 1998.

The landmark was completely destroyed but was rebuilt as a purpose-built bingo hall and reopened by popular demand in the early 2000s.

Buzz Bingo closed in August 2020 and was one of 26 branches which fell victim to the pandemic.

Read more: The tumultuous history of bingo hall

The public exhibition is being held at The Salvation Army, Church Street, Chatham, from 2pm to 8pm on Tuesday, November 1. You can find out more here.

Experts from the project team will be on hand to answer questions and people are welcome to drop in any time.