Curtain up on Criterion consultation

People in the borough are being invited to share their ideas and ambitions for the former cinema building on Forton Road, as Gosport Borough Council explores how grant funding could be used to restore the building and create more opportunities for entertainment, art and culture in Gosport.

The council is also talking to local community groups and arts organisations about how they may wish to use the venue to support events, activities, entertainment and performances once restored. The consultation will be open until 18 June 2023.

Cllr Peter Chegwyn, the Leader of the Council, said: "The Criterion building has been a local landmark and place for people to come for fun and entertainment since it opened in 1912. We want to give it a new lease of life and use grant funding to restore the building, so we can create a new and exciting space for entertainment, art and culture in Gosport. 

"It's really important that we hear from people in the community about what they'd like to see at the Criterion and understand how different groups may want to use the building, as we explore the possibilities for the next chapter in its story."

The feedback from residents and groups will be used to understand the community's ambitions for the venue and help shape the future of the project. The consultation findings will be shared over the coming months.

You can take part in the consultation by completing a short online survey, picking up a paper survey from Gosport Town Hall reception, or coming along to one of the council's drop-in events over the next three weeks.

The consultation will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 18 June 2023. Find out more information about it now.

You can speak to the council's regeneration team about the project at one of these drop-in events across Gosport: