Plan to assess empty cinema building's future agreed

Plans to assess what could happen to a town's empty cinema and bingo hall building have been approved.

Penel Orlieu in Bridgwater, Somerset, has been empty since 2022 in the town centre after Scott Cinemas and Mecca Bingo left the building.

Bridgwater Town Council agreed earlier this month to commission an independent feasibility study that will examine the condition of the buildings, planning constraints and possible future uses.

Councillors said no decisions have been made on redevelopment, acquisition or any further council involvement.

Bridgwater Town councillor Tim Mander told BBC Radio Somerset: "It's an iconic and important building in terms of Bridgwater's western entrance into the town.

"It's now left to rot, rack and ruin, for years and years.

"This is one attempt to try to revise ideas and thoughts into the future use of this building."

Last month Somerset Council issued a formal notice to the owner of the building, Sage Business Services, urging it to make the site safe.

Sage Business Services has been approached by the BBC for comment.

Mander said the council wants consultants to come up with at least three different ideas for the possible future of the site, and to engage with the public and the building's owner.

He added: "While the town council does not own the building and cannot make decisions about its future, we believe it is important to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with the site.

"It will help us better understand the condition of the site, the challenges involved and what options might theoretically be available in the future."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.