The cinema has been used as a bingo hall and a costume warehouse since it closed in the 1950s
A former art deco cinema dating back to the silent film era is to be demolished to make way for homes.
Isle of Wight councillors have approved plans to replace the former Rivoli Cinema in Sandown with two semi-detached and three terraced houses.
In the planning application, surveyors raised concerns about its structural stability and cracks in the walls.
Campaigners argued the building was of "social and cultural importance" and should be revamped as an arts venue.
Built in 1885, the Rivoli was originally a concert and meeting hall before being converted to a cinema in 1921 with a seating capacity of 700.
In the late 1920s, the equipment was upgraded to show "talking" films. It closed in the 1950s and became a bingo hall in 1962.
More recently it was used as a theatre costume workshop, but has lain empty for several years while being offered for sale.
By January 2014, campaigners had managed to crowdfund £90,000 to buy the building, but fell short of the £250,000 needed.
The former Rivoli cinema building is not listed, but is in a conservation area
- Published4 March 2014
- Published13 November 2013
