Ringwood: Wave of support for plan to convert Regal Cinema

An application to breathe new life into the Regal in Market Square, Ringwood, is being backed by the town council and the Ringwood Society.

It follows the failure of attempts to buy and reopen the cinema - dubbed the most important unlisted building in the town.

Ringwood-based Halo Developments has applied for planning permission to create two commercial units and 20 flats by converting and extending the former picture palace.

Support is pouring in for plans to turn the former Regal cinema in Ringwood into flats and shops (Image: Supplied)

In a letter to New Forest District Council, the town council says: "The [planning] committee was delighted with the prospect of this building's renovation and it being brought back into use.

"Members were happy with the proposed commercial space.

"In principle, they were also content for the rest of the building to be residential and welcomed the provision of smaller flats (with associated parking) in the town centre being made available on the open market."

The scheme has also received a mostly favourable response from the Ringwood Society.

Its letter to the council says: "Despite various initiatives for its renovation and redevelopment, none have come to fruition and the building has continued to deteriorate.

"In light of the above, we warmly welcome the intentions of the applicant."

Support is pouring in for plans to turn the former Regal cinema in Ringwood into shops and flats (Image: Supplied)

The Society says a group of residents formed the Ringwood Regal Action Group (RRAG) in 2014 in the hope of providing a 600-seat theatre/cinema, an art gallery, and an elegant bar.

"In 2020 a community interest company was proposed, working alongside RRAG, in a bid to buy and restore the building.

"The company received pledges of more than £260,000 from supporters. However, shares began to be refunded via a local solicitor’s service, effectively signalling the end of local efforts to return the building to cinema use.

"Today it presents a sorry sight, especially compared with its past glories.

"The Society hopes the building will once again stand out as one of Ringwood’s most prestigious properties and not as an eyesore. The building deserves the highest quality scheme possible, being the most important unlisted building in the town."

Residents have also written to the council to support the scheme, with one saying it will inject new vitality into the town centre.

Another adds: "The re-development of the old cinema site has been long awaited. The building is very much due a new lease of life."