Plans to transform a former cinema into a live entertainment venue have taken a step forward.

Approval was granted for consultants Counterculture to develop a business case for how the Criterion, in Forton Road, could be revamped.

The Criterion opened in 1912 and operated as a cinema and theatre until 1968, later becoming a bingo hall, which closed in 2020.

The council bought the building in 2022, aiming to restore it for community use.

An initial assessment by Counterculture suggests the ground floor could be reopened by the end of 2025, with an estimated cost of £1.4 million.

Gosport Borough Council's policy and organisation board discussed the report on Monday, September 30.

The board agreed to proceed with the next stage, commissioning Counterculture to develop a full business case, subject to contract.

This plan will include detailed layouts and options for setting up an independent community organisation to manage the venue and secure external funding.

The full business case will be reviewed at a future meeting. The Criterion's transformation aligns with the council's efforts to revitalise and boost local culture and entertainment.

The project aims to enhance community engagement and provide a diverse range of activities and events.

Councillor Peter Chegwyn, leader of Gosport Borough Council said: "This is excellent news and a major step forward in bringing the historic Criterion building back into use as a multi-purpose live entertainment venue for Gosport.

"We are progressing towards our vision of providing Gosport residents with a new cinema, theatre and live entertainment venue - which should also support shops, pubs, cafés and other businesses in the surrounding area."