Criterion Theatre could be 'disposed of' as Gosport council considers future of controversial £600,000 site
The theatre was bought for £600,000 four years ago - but still remains derelict.
The future of a theatre building that is more than 100 years old hangs in the balance as a council considers its options for the future.
Politicians have been arguing about Gosport Borough Council’s purchase of the Criterion Theatre, in Forton Road, ever since a £600,000 deal was done by the Liberal Democrats in 2022. The theatre, which opened in 1912, was converted into a bingo hall until it permanently closed in 2020.
Since Gosport Borough Council purchased the site, there has been talk of turning it into an events centre, or opening a community cafe, but nothing has come to fruition - and money for repairs and maintenance has been pumped into it all the same. According to Gosport Borough Council, annual holding costs tally up to £25,000, with £480,240 having already been spent on the theatre.
The Conservatives have opposed keeping hold of the Criterion for the past four years, and having seized power following the local elections in May, are now weighing up what could happen next.
Council documents are now recommending that the council “disposes” of the theatre, selling the freehold to the property - meaning a potential buyer would own both the Criterion and the land it was built on, thus opening the door for potential redevelopment.
A spokesperson for the Gosport Conservative group said: “Our number one commitment to residents during the election was to provide open and honest leadership, including an urgent review of the Liberal Democrats’ Criterion pet project.
“Almost £1m of taxpayers’ money has now been spent on the Criterion, yet it has remained empty for 4 years, it is still costing taxpayers around £2,000 each and every month, and residents have absolutely nothing to show for it.
“We said we would act, and we have. We are determined to stop throwing good council taxpayers money after bad into this money pit.
The proposals have also been given the seal of approval by MP Caroline Dinenage, who described it as “great news for Gosport.”
Gosport Borough Council’s policy and organisation board will meet on Wednesday, July 1 to diuscuss the theatre’s future.