CAMPAIGNERS are hoping to take a positive step forward in their bid to save a New Forest cinema.

Members of the Save the Regal group are attempting to acquire and restore the historic site in Ringwood and deliver a 600-seat theatre and cinema.

The group have appointed a specialist solicitor to apply to the Charity Commission for charity status.

This move has been made as members believe the owners of the building currently do not have a buyer, despite a conflicting statement from the site’s owners.

Mike Tuck, the chairman of Save the Regal Group, said: “We have been trying to become a registered charity for around a year now. We have had some problems with the charity commission because we want to put on popular entertainment in the theatre with pop groups, stand-up performances and pantomimes.

“These did not seem to be thought of as charitable. If we were putting on ballet or opera they would be a lot happier.

“We have now employed an expert solicitor in this field. They are now on board and working to get the charity status as soon as possible. Once we have that status we will be much more credible to potential investors and for lottery funding.”

The group recently sought a statement from developers U+I who own the Regal building, the Furlong Shopping Centre and several other properties, about their future plans.

Matthew Potter, U+I’s senior asset manager, said: “U+I purchased the Town Hall (the Regal Cinema) building when a comprehensive redevelopment of the Furlong Shopping Centre was being considered, but due to viability issues this was not progressed. We now have a potential buyer for the Town Hall and hope to agree terms very soon.

“We still plan to invest in the Furlong Shopping Centre and recently met with Ringwood Town Council, to discuss future plans.

“We are confident that the proposed sale of the Town Hall and subsequent investment in that building and the shopping centre will be beneficial to the town.”