Porth Central

28/11/2025

Security and safety update from Porth Central

Porth Central (the former Porth Bingo Hall and Central Cinema) has recently experienced a number of break ins and attempted break ins. There is nothing of monetary value inside the building. Please do not attempt to force entry.

The building has been unused and largely unmaintained for close to two decades. This has resulted in serious structural and environmental risks. Floors are weakened and unstable in places and there is a real danger of falling through damaged areas that cannot be seen from above. Ceilings and fixtures are loose and may collapse without warning. There is widespread damp, mould and decay inside the building, and disturbing these materials can release harmful particles into the air that pose respiratory risks.

Attempting to enter the building is extremely dangerous. Anyone entering without permission does so entirely at their own risk and we strongly urge people not to put themselves or others in harm’s way.

We also want to highlight the significant damage being caused to the building during these attempts including damage to the roof, doors, boarding and internal structure. Every attempt adds to the repair work required and increases the time and cost of bringing the building back into safe public use.

We have significantly increased security on site. This includes:
• Increased CCTV coverage (and more planned to implemented)
• Silent alarms directly linked to monitoring
• Coordination with South Wales Police and RCT Council CCTV unit
• Support from local traders
• Security presence and patrols

Anyone caught attempting to gain entry, causing damage or trespassing will be reported to South Wales Police and prosecution will be pursued.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to protect the building, and bring it back into use as well as the safety of those around the building.

If you do have any questions or inquiries please contact us via [email protected]

Porth Central

(Please share to spread the word)

10/11/2025

We’re glad to see over 200 responses on our survey about the history and future of Porth Central (the former bingo hall/central cinema)

Please if you have some time please fill it out here so we can accurately ensure the building becomes something that actually want and will use: https://forms.gle/H45iMbiGFdwo3GhY6

28/09/2025

We’d like to clear up some misunderstandings that have circulated over the past week.

The former Apollo and the Porth Central building are completely separate properties in different parts of the town. They have different owners, different plans, and different histories. The only things they share are being located in Porth and currently not in use. Unfortunately, both Valley Times and BBC Radio Wales confused the two. Whilst only one corrected their reporting.

To be clear: the Porth Central building has never been, and will never be, used as a cannabis factory. Police visited the property (unrelated to this matter) within the last fortnight and can confirm this. Council officers have also been inside multiple times since we acquired the site. There is no evidence it has ever been used in that way. This mix-up stems from inaccurate reporting that muddled the two buildings.

Whether you’re a large national outlet or a small local group, we ask that you come to us first for accurate information before publishing misleading claims. You can always reach us at [email protected] to get the story from the source.

We hope this clears things up.
- The Porth Central Team

21/09/2025

The sight of old buildings, often listed, which used to be at the heart of the community being left to decay and crumble won't be something new for those visiting town centres in the south Wales valleys.

21/09/2025

Last week we welcomed Wales Online to have a discussion regarding the Porth Central building, and discuss how we became its owners and its future.

If you’re interested in filling our survey it can be found on our page.

The former bingo hall at the heart of a town in the south Wales valleys has become an infamous eyesore but now a group of locals want to transform it into an asset

20/09/2025

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/gallery/inside-abandoned-frozen-time-cinema-32513756

The bingo podium still remains untouched while dusty cinema seats sit in dusty red rows in front of posters advertising drinks for 80p

13/09/2025

Anyone remember these?

13/09/2025

Free scrap outside the old fmr Bingo Hall, free to take, will likely be more likely to follow

03/08/2025

📢 Help Shape the Future of Porth Central 🏛️
Once a challenge for the town, now a chance to do something great.

The old bingo hall and cinema at the corner of Hannah is now called Porth Central, and we’re inviting you to help decide what comes next.

💡 What would you love to see it used for?
🎈 Would you hire the space for your own events?
🗣️ Have memories of its past life?

Take a few minutes to share your thoughts: https://forms.gle/theqEQezE8Zb5XePA

Let’s turn this iconic building into something Porth can be proud of.

Please fill in the survey and share!

26/07/2025

📣 Over 100 voices heard, but we’re not done yet!

More than 100 people have already shared their views on the future of Porth Central, thank you! 💬

But the survey’s still open, and the more voices we hear, the better we can shape the building into something truly meaningful for the town.

🗣️ Have your say:
🎭 What would you like to see inside?
🎉 Would you hire it for your own events?
🕰️ Got memories from its cinema or bingo days?

➡️ Take 5 minutes to complete the survey:- https://forms.gle/theqEQezE8Zb5XePA

Help us make this building an asset for Porth, not a burden.

📸 (Feel free to drop your photos or memories in the comments too!)

20/07/2025

📣 Porth Central - Have Your Say 🏛️

What was once a big issue for the town is now becoming an opportunity.

The former bingo hall and cinema is now Porth Central and we want to turn this landmark into something the town can be proud of.

🎭 What would you like to see inside?
🎉 Would you hire it for your own events?
🕰️ Got memories of the old days?

Take 5 minutes to shape its future, by following the link:- https://forms.gle/theqEQezE8Zb5XePA

Let’s make this building an asset for Porth, not a burden