BINGO hall bosses want to turn an empty dance studio into an arcade.

Rio Bingo in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, is looking to refurbish the inside of its building - making way for an arcade and a new entrance at the back.

Rio Majestic, which operates the entertainment venue, has submitted an application to Castle Point Council.

Planning documents reveal that the plans would see an additional 37 arcade machines installed in the back room. This was previously used as a dance studio until it closed in 2015.

The bingo hall currently has 11 arcade machines in a room at the front of the building.

The new entrance will lead directly into a new lobby with a reception.

There will also be a new bar with seating in the arcade area, as well as toilets.

In the main bingo hall, the caller desks will be refurbished, as well as the toilets.

New seating and vending machines will also be installed - and the plan is for existing entrance to become a fire exit.

In planning documents, John Spivey, of Fisch Design Ltd, said: “The proposed existing unoccupied rear, previous dance studio, is to be utilised as an extension to the club’s currently small arcade machines facility.

“Additional arcade gaming space is required to meet customer demand and the rear building will function as the new arcade gaming space, eliminating noise away from the main hall where a quite environment is required for bingo users.

“Additionally the main entrance will be moved to the new arcade space allowing customers to access the club direct from the car park area away from the busy main road and enter through the new arcade space.

“There is also the requirement to update and improve the club’s decor to meet with the Majestic Bingo current branding style.

“The rebrand is aimed at creating ‘brand continuity’ with all of Majestic Bingo clubs, updating the premises to the current specification.”

New signs will also be installed to guide customers to the new entrance and the fencing will be put up around the car park, which will be improved.

The new entrance will also provide better access for disabled visitors to the venue.

The Majestic Bingo chain currently operates 16 bingo halls across the country.