Fresh criticism over revamp bid for dilapidated Criterion Cinema in Gosport

Gosport Borough Council bought the Criterion in Forton Road for £600,000 in 2022 – two years after it shut its doors – and plans to turn it into a multi-use entertainment centre. It has spent £20,000 on a secret business case study report and now another £35,000 of taxpayers’ cash will be spent to appoint a consultant and continue to develop the business case.

Conservative county councillor Lesley Meenaghan, whose Leesland and Town ward borders the site, said she objects to the scheme because it is in “one of the most deprived areas of Gosport”. She said there is very little parking and few restaurants, adding: “This is not a judgement statement, but rather understanding that for many somewhere to eat and drink before or after the ‘main event’ is part of the evening planned.”