Criterion cinema restoration moves to next stage

Plans to transform an historic former cinema in Gosport took a big step forward, as approval was given for independent consultants Counterculture to develop a full business case for how the Criterion could be turned into a multi-purpose live entertainment venue.

The Criterion, in Forton Road, opened in 1912 and was run as a cinema and theatre until 1968. It then became a bingo hall, which closed in 2020. In 2022 the council bought it, with a plan to restore the building and re-open it as a multi-use entertainment venue for the community.

An initial assessment by consultants Counterculture suggests that the ground floor of the building could be re-opened before the end of 2025 at an estimated cost of £1.4m. 

The report was discussed at Gosport Borough Council's Policy & Organisation Board meeting on Monday 30 September.

The Board agreed to progress to the next stage - commissioning Counterculture to develop a full business case, subject to contract. This will include detailed plans for the internal layout of the building, and options for setting up an independent community organisation to manage the building and access external sources of funding.

The full business case will be brought back to a future meeting for approval as plans progress.

Councillor Peter Chegwyn, Leader of Gosport Borough Council said: "This is excellent news and a major step forward in bringing the historic Criterion building back into use as a multi-purpose live entertainment venue for Gosport.

"We are progressing towards our vision of providing Gosport residents with a new cinema, theatre and live entertainment venue - which should also support shops, pubs, cafés and other businesses in the surrounding area."

Published: 3 October 2024