Demolition work is now underway at the former Mecca Bingo site on Union Terrace as part of plans to transform the landmark building into a new Ibis Styles hotel.

Plans for a 144-bed hotel, restaurant and office space, on land bordered by Union Terrace and St Oswalds Way, were approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2024.

The latest phase of works has seen contractors begin partially dismantling the building, including sections of the roof and large areas of brickwork.

Enabling works began late last year, with the site stripped out ahead of demolition.

The mock-Tudor building on Brookdale Place will also be converted into office space, to carry out "any operational or administrative functions". It originally opened as the Gaumont Cinema in 1931 before being converted into a bingo hall in 1970.

Developer TAG Chester said the seven-storey scheme is expected to create around 80 full-time jobs and help support Chester's visitor economy by increasing accommodation options for the city's estimated 14 million annual visitors.

The hotel is expected to welcome its first guests in 2028.

Ibis Styles, part of the Accor group's design-led economy brand portfolio, operates in 58 countries with more than 76,000 rooms worldwide. Regional sites include Manchester Portland Street and Liverpool Dale Street.

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