PERMISSION to convert an iconic Westbourne cinema building into a gym and offices has been refused.
Last month Currentasset Ltd submitted plans that it said would “revitalise” the Grand and the surrounding area.
But BCP Council has rejected them saying “no convincing argument” had been put forward to justify the redevelopment of the building.
“As it stands the scheme is deemed harmful in terms of prejudice to highway safety and the special interest of the heritage asset,” planning officer Ruth Povey said in a report.
“Further, it has not been evidenced that the loss of the existing use is justified or that it wouldn’t be at detriment to neighbouring residential amenity.”
Built as a cinema in 1922, the building was converted for use as a bingo hall in 1977 continuing to be used as such until it was sold by Simon Bartlam in January 2018.
He said visitor numbers had fallen to about a quarter of their peak and that the business was no longer viable.
Source: Westbourne’s former Grand bingo hall can’t be turned into gym and office | Bournemouth Echo