Row over 'sleazy and despicable' Criterion Theatre saga continues ahead of local elections
A row over the future of the Criterion Theatre has intensified ahead of next week’s local elections, with the Conservatives pledging a fresh review of the project if they take control of the council.
Leader of the Gosport Conservatives Stephen Philpott branded the situation a “sleazy and despicable saga”.
It comes as Gosport Borough Council confirmed the restoration project is paused with no works currently underway.
Mr Philpott has promised a full spending review and public consultation into the matter if his party regains control of the Liberal Democrat-run council.
The Criterion Theatre, which dates back to 1912, has been the subject of redevelopment proposals for several years.
The venue has been earmarked for restoration and reuse as part of wider regeneration efforts, with the council promising to transform it into a multi-purpose cinema, theatre and live music venue.
Currently, work is planned to refurbish part of the building into a community café and events space as a short-term offering. This has yet to take place.
But Mr Philpott said the handling of the project is a “defining issue at this election”.
“More than three-and-a-half years later, and there is still no business case for the Criterion”, he said.
“The council said that the venue would be fully open and functioning as a live music venue by September 2024, yet today the building stands empty and derelict.
“It is a catalogue of wasted opportunity and wasted money. That money has already been poured down the drain by the Liberal Democrat councillors.”
The theatre could provide a beneficial use for the community, Councillor Philpott added, but it should not be a financial burden on the council.
Last year, it was revealed that the council spent more than £260,000 on consultants’ fees on the theatre, which it bought for £600,000 in 2022.
Council leader Peter Chegwyn declined to provide a direct response to the claims, however, a local authority said: “The Criterion project is currently paused following the full council budget setting meeting of March 4 this year.
“The building is safe and watertight as a continuing live scheme for future investment. We will share further information in due course.”
The Criterion operated as a cinema and theatre until 1968, before being used as a bingo hall until its permanent closure in 2020.