Surrey has approve a $25 million redevelopment of the Newton Square Bingo Country hall on the King George Highway. (CBC)

The City of Surrey has approved a controversial $25-million redevelopment of the Newton Square Bingo Country hall following a late night public hearing on Monday.

The company that owns the facility located near the intersection of King George Highway and 72 Avenue, said it would be forced to shut down if it was not allowed to rebuild and bring in 150 slot machines.

More than 300 people showed up for the marathon public hearing at City Hall, including many who oppose the plan because of the negative impact they believed it would have on the neighbourhood and its residents.

But far more people turned out to support the redevelopment, many representing the charities, service clubs and sports groups that depend on the $4.5 million in grants generated by the facility each year.

And in the end Mayor Diane Watts agreed with the supporters, and Surrey city council voted 5-4 in favour of the redevelopment.

"I wish there was another way that we could fund these charities without using gaming revenue. However … there is no other choice, and I could just not turn my back on all those charities," said Watts.

A spokesman for Boardwalk Gaming and Entertainment said construction on the expanded new facility will begin early next year.