VOTE: Main screen at Picturedrome could become flats

The latest twist to the story of the Picturedrome has seen a planning application compiled by the historic building's owner.

Bognor Pier Co wants to convert the 400-seat main auditorium into three flats. The firm also intends to refurbish the existing unused flat in the building to form a total of four dwellings.

The smaller upstairs screen with 87 seats would be kept, along with the ground-floor cafe.

A planning application and a bid for listed building consent has been submitted by the company for Arun District Council to decide.

Paul Langridge, the company's planning agent, said the part conversion to residential purposes was the only way the building could pay its way.

"It's not a case of saving the cinema. It's a case of saving the building. It will still be the building people know, but it will just not be the Picturedrome cinema.

"It is a fact that new multiplex cinemas already exist in the surrounding areas," he said.

"These have far more attractive amenities and facilities that, in its present form, the Picturedrome simply cannot viably compete with."

But Adam Cunard, managing director of cinema operator Picturedrome Electric Theatre Company, said: "If the town ends up with the smaller cinema, then we might as well just give up. It will never pay its way.

"That main screen is part of the charm of going to see a film at the Picturedrome anyway."

The Observer reported two weeks ago the Picturedrome had been given Grade II listed building status by the government's culture secretary, Ben Bradshaw, because of its historic significance as an entertainment venue.

But the listing does not stop work being carried out to the structure provided Arun's planning officers are satisfied its historic integrity is being maintained.

Mr Langridge said: "With the very low rental income currently being endured, it is prudent to pursue an alternative use as there is serious doubt the Picturedrome can continue being a viable business in its present form."

The rent had increased only slightly to 16,000 a year since the current lease was signed in 1993, he said.

A figure of 75,000 had been put forward by the pier company but this was reduced to 45,000 with arbitration. This has yet to be paid by the operator.

Are you worried proposals for new flats will affect the long-term future of Bognor's Picturedrome cinema? To cast your vote see the panel on the right.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

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