Empty theatre bought by council put up for sale

An empty theatre bought by a council four years ago has been put up for sale.

The Criterion Theatre on Forton Road, Gosport, was purchased for £600,000 in 2022 and earmarked to become a multi-purpose entertainment venue.

At the time, Liberal Democrat council leader Peter Chegwyn said no council taxpayers' money was spent on the theatre itself, although the building would need substantial investment.

Current Conservative leader of the council Zoe Huggins said she could not justify further spending while facing a £3.3m structural deficit.

Her administration proposed the sale of the building, and the decision was voted for by councillors in July. For sale signs have now gone up outside the building.

Reform UK councillor James Figgins said: "I'm really pleased to see the Criterion now up for sale.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Gosport that, with the right investment and vision, could bring a real boost to our town."

The former bingo hall has stood empty for several years and cost more than £1m in professional fees, works and ongoing bills.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Figgins said residents had repeatedly raised the future of the building with him.

The building first opened in 1912 and was run as a cinema and theatre until 1968. It then became a bingo hall and closed in March 2020.

Chegwyn has been contacted for further comment.