Bid to turn Ringwood's Regal cinema into flats withdrawn

A proposal to breathe new life into the Regal in Market Square, Ringwood, was submitted by Hampshire-based Halo Developments in 2023.

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

New Forest District Council's planning portal says the application has now been withdrawn, but gives no explanation.

It is not clear if Halo has pulled out of the project or is planning to submit a revised scheme.

Plans to convert the former Regal cinema in Market Square, Ringwood, into shops and flats have been withdrawn (Image: Supplied)

The Regal is thought to have been vacant since 2005. It ceased to be a full-time cinema in 1959 and later became a live music venue that staged concerts by Status Quo, The Troggs, and Edison Lighthouse.

Other uses have included a nightclub and a shopping arcade, with an Italian restaurant in the basement.

READ MORE: Former cinema and live music venue that once hosted Status Quo concert could become flats

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

The scheme received the backing of the Ringwood Society and the town council.

The Regal cinema in 1972. The building is said to have been vacant since 2002 (Image: Supplied)

In a letter to NFDC, the town council said: "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 Ringwood Society also praised the scheme.

Its letter to the council said: "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."

READ MORE: Wave of support for proposal to transform old Regal Cinema in Ringwood

The Society said 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 solicitor’s service, effectively signalling the end of local efforts to return the building to cinema use."

Looking to the future, it added: "The Society hopes the building will once again stand out as one of Ringwood’s most prestigious properties."

Halo's agent, the Pegasus Group, has been contacted for comment.