A planning application to turn a former bank in the heart of Hanwell into a 24-hour slot machine gambling venue has sparked growing concern among locals — and led to a public rally yesterday evening (30 July 2025), where residents called on Ealing Council to reject the proposal.
The plans for 153–155 Uxbridge Road have triggered fierce resistance from residents, business owners, Hanwell Broadway councillors and North Hanwell councillors, who say the development would damage the area’s character, harm the local high street and increase anti-social behaviour.
More than 1,400 objections have now been lodged on Ealing Council’s planning portal, with just three comments in support. The current anger in the Hanwell community mirrors that of 2007, when plans emerged to convert a former bakery across the road at 120 Uxbridge Road into an adult gaming centre.
That application was refused by Ealing Council on 27 April 2007. The site is now home to Momentum coffee shop.
Speaking at the rally, Hanwell Broadway Councillor Polly Knewstub said of the 24/7 gambling proposal: “We’ve spent a long time trying to help Hanwell. But this is the very last thing we need in Hanwell. They are the most harmful businesses on our high streets. They are extracting cash from our most vulnerable people. We know that they attract antisocial behaviour.”
The site, next to Hanwell’s landmark Clock Tower, was formerly a Barclays Bank for decades before becoming a Domino’s Pizza. It was later expected to reopen as the Grand Pasha restaurant, but that plan collapsed earlier this year. On 14 April 2025, bailiffs acting for the landlord placed a Torts Notice addressed to Puree Gourmet Limited on the premises. A Forfeiture Notice was issued on 29 April, formally ending that tenancy.
A new planning application now proposes a change of use from hot food takeaway to “bingo premise” — a label that opponents say masks its real purpose: a 24/7 adult gaming centre filled with electronic slot-style machines. A yellow public notice outside describes it as a “Bingo Hall”, while the official application form uses the term “Bingo Premise”. Locals argue it bears no resemblance to traditional bingo.
Computer-generated images included in the submission show the venue branded as Red9Nine — a name used by the applicant Aman Singh Goraya in other gambling ventures.
At the rally, Councillor Knewstub continued: “Of all the things this space could be used for, slots were not top of our list. They are the most harmful businesses on our high streets. They extract cash from vulnerable people. We know they attract antisocial behaviour. We know that being open 24 hours a day — I mean, what kind of business needs that? Who are they exploiting?
“The law as it stands is based on something called ‘Aim to Permit’. That means planning officers and chairs are very restricted in what they can do — and the people running this company know that. They’ll wait us out, they’ve got better lawyers, and the law could favour them.
“But I’m pretty sure that no other community has seen this many objections and people turning out. If we make enough noise, we might just do something extraordinary.”
Local resident Dominic Kirkbride, also at the rally, told EALING.NEWS: “I’m so proud of my community in Hanwell today; for people to show up into the hundreds at two days’ notice is testament to what community can do. We don’t want a 24-hour slot casino on our high street, preying on vulnerable people, contributing nothing to the local economy and encouraging antisocial behaviour.
He added: “Other communities – Acton, Southall – have suffered. Hanwell is willing and able to call this out before it’s too late.”
The application was submitted on 11 June 2025 by Aman Singh Goraya, director of Pure Gaming Limited. The company, incorporated in 2016, is registered with the Gambling Commission and trades under Red9Nine and Casino Slots. Red9Nine currently operates a site in Denmark Hill, while Casino Slots runs a branch in Chatham, Kent.
In its latest unaudited accounts (to 31 March 2024), Pure Gaming reported 62 employees — more than double the previous year’s 30.
The application also requests permission to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no period of closure. Councillors and residents say this would worsen local issues with addiction, noise, crime and social disruption.
Local councillors are urging residents to submit objections before the 6 August 2025 deadline.
Councillor Knewstub previously posted on Facebook: “Please object to proposals to turn the old bank at Hanwell Broadway into a slots arcade – we don’t need this in our community. Looking at the proposal documents they have made a highly professional application – so obviously are confident they have planning law on their side – we need to make our voices heard!”
Posting on X, Councillor Yoel Gordon added: “No, no, no to the slots arcade at Hanwell Clocktower. This is not wanted in our community. Deadline now ends on 6th August — but no need to wait until then!!”
What residents are saying on the planning application portal
One objector wrote: “This proposal is not in keeping with the needs and wants of a very family-focused community, notably with so many schools in the vicinity. The area is already marred by antisocial behaviour. We should be encouraging family-friendly establishments that uplift the whole community.”
Another local said: “The area in Hanwell is already suffering from drug users and drinkers who congregate around the clock tower. This kind of establishment would only make it worse. There are many small businesses nearby that support families — placing a gambling venue in the middle of that is completely irresponsible.”
A third added: “The local authority is trying to improve civic and social space in Hanwell and West Ealing. This development runs counter to that. It will degrade the area, increase antisocial behaviour, and gambling is proven to cause financial hardship and family problems. This will place added strain on under-resourced local services.”
Another resident commented: “I strongly object. This area already suffers from antisocial behaviour — drug use behind the Duke of York, street drinking by the Clocktower, and a halfway house nearby. A 24/7 gambling licence here would worsen all of that.”
EALING.NEWS has contacted Brown & Co, the agents who submitted the application on behalf of Pure Gaming Limited, for comment.
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