THE former Gala Bingo Hall in the town centre has been taken over by the UK's largest late-night entertainment operator, writes Becky Procter.

Millennium Leisure Ltd had bought the venue in Church Road to transform into a nightclub similar to Club Euphoria in Bromsgrove.

But yesterday Luminar Leisure, which operates Chicago Rock Cafes and Jumpin' Jaks, announced it had taken over the premises.

A spokesman for Luminar Leisure Ltd said: "I confirm that Luminar Leisure Ltd has acquired two new sites in Redditch and Bromsgrove from Millennium Leisure.

"Luminar is the largest operator of late-night licensed entertainment venues in the UK, whose portfolio includes the brands Chicago Rock Caf, Liquid Nightclubs, Ikon/Diva dancing venues, Jumpin Jaks and Life Bar Cafes."

The company has revealed it is still looking for other potential sites in the town which would be suitable for a Chicago Rock Caf after plans to build one on the town's quadrant development fell through.

The spokesman added: "With regards to the premises in Church Road, we are currently considering options for development of the site and it is too early to detail the potential operation.

"Luminar is very excited about having involvement in the entertainment life of Redditch."

Meanwhile, the operator who has been chosen to run a themed bar on the site of the former ABC cinema on Unicorn Hill, is set to be announced next week.

A multi-million deal has been struck between cinema bosses and Bath-based E&J Developments and the sale is going through this week.

Speculation over what will happen to the cinema site has been rife since it was put up for sale in March 1999.