The future of a former bingo hall and cinema in Ilkeston could finally be decided after owners decided to put it up for auction.
The former art deco Ritz Cinema on the corner of South Street and Corporation Street opened in 1938 but closed 30 years later. It was later converted into a bingo hall which closed in 2018.
The property was listed in 2000, described at the time as "a remarkably complete example of a fine cinema of the 1930s" but it was last used as a bingo hall around six years ago and has been falling into further stages of dereliction since.
Suggestions for its use since closure have included a food court, a cafe and a Wetherspoons public house with another being that it could become a climbing venue with climbing walls in the main auditorium, although many local people have called for it to be returned to cinema use or as a bingo hall, or at least have its historic features, fixtures and fittings preserved and protected irrespective of how it might be used.
Most recently, in early 2024, proposals were agreed by Erewash Borough Council to turn it into a gym to help secure the long term future of the building but these plans have made no progress since despite the developer having reportedly stated at the time that an operator had expressed an interest in running it.
None of the suggested uses have come anywhere near becoming a reality, which has subsequently led the owners of the property to decide to put it on the market for a guide price of £125,000 including the large car park to the rear. The listing states that there is scope for a range of alternative uses but subject to planning permission.
Shop units facing on to South Street have seen new businesses move in over the last few years but the remainder of the building has continued to stand empty.
The historic town centre site covers 10,000 sq ft and includes an auditorium, a cafeteria, a foyer with upper levels, toilets, staff offices and cloak room.
It will be auctioned off on Thursday 20th February at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham.
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