Controversial plans to turn a former bingo hall into an 24-hour entertainment venue will be decided next month, Kingston Council announced today.

The licensing sub-committee will debate plans for the Grade II listed building in Richmond Road, Kingston, on Friday, September 16.

The meeting’s start time has not been decided yet.

More than 800 people signed a petition against a nightclub on the site after rumours about its future started circulating in May 2010.

Matthew Deith and Malcolm Farquharson submitted a licensing application for the renamed Kingston Arena on January 6, seeking permission for all-day drinking, dancing and music.

The licensing hearing was originally scheduled for March 3, but was delayed after the council asked for more details of how it would be run.

Opponents of the plans submitted 230 objections, but more than half were rejected.

A document outlining the proposed operating conditions, submitted on June 9, said: “The vision for the Arena is to provide a community space which will be multifaceted in its use.

“The supply and consumption of alcohol will be incidental to the main purpose of the Arena which is to provide a community and entertainment space.”