AROUND 150 people attended the first public meeting of a campaign group fighting to save the Ringwood Regal cinema.

Chairman Mike Tuck led the meeting and explained the group's plans for the building and answered questions from the floor.

A proposed layout of the new 600-seat theatre was shown. Mr Tuck explained how the Mansard roof would be reinstated as it was in 1868 and would run over the length of the auditorium, enabling 220 seats to be installed in a balcony.

At the rear of the building it is proposed to build an extension containing the stage, fly tower and dressing rooms.

Plans to demolish the auditorium and make way for shops while keeping the building's facade are currently under review after U and I Group PLC agreed to consider selling the building to residents.

Mr Tuck said: “A show of hands taken during the meeting showed almost 100 per cent complete support for the proposals put forward by the group to save the Ringwood Regal Cinema building.

“The discussions that have taken place with the developers were discussed, and it was pointed out that the Furlong Phase two development plans were changing as the original White Hart car park was not available.”

Campaigners aim to reopen the cinema building as a family entertainment space to give locals a facility equalling those in neighbouring towns.

At the meeting, Charlie North-Lewis, general manager of the Tivoli theatre in Wimborne, described the restoration of the town's venue, which survived the threat of demolition in 1979 following a lengthy campaign to save the building.

He pledged his support and expertise to the group, promising to partner with them as the new cinema project in Ringwood market place progressed.

Mr Tuck added: “After another enthusiastic round of applause, the meeting ended with the committee answering questions from the public.

“Comparisons with the Greyfriars arts centre were obviously made, and the group showed their support for Greyfriars and the Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society.

“They went on to explain how the two projects were quite different as the Ringwood Regal would be a purpose-built theatre/cinema big enough to attract professional entertainment.

“There is room in Ringwood for both of these assets to exist alongside each other and to co-operate.

“During the evening, up to 30 new Friends of the Regal were recruited and many more signed the petition. The meeting was deemed to be a fantastic success, creating a new mood of optimism and realisation among those in the room.”