Campaign to save former cinema takes step forward

A campaign to bring a former cinema back into use has taken a step forward after it was officially listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The New Ritz Collective - which seeks to revive The Ritz in Ilkeston, Derbyshire - has said the decision is "a significant milestone in efforts to bring the landmark building back into meaningful community use".

The listed former cinema and bingo hall sits on the corner of South Street and Coronation Street and has stood empty for eight years.

A spokesperson for Erewash Borough Council confirmed the building had been added to its list of ACVs.

In a statement, the collective said the decision was "recognition that The Ritz isn't just an iconic building".

"It's an important part of Ilkeston's heritage, with the potential to play an equally important role in its future."

The group, headed by Imogen Connelly, aims to transform the building into "a vibrant venue that serves the whole community", where live entertainment and other events could take place in the future.

An ACV listing does not transfer ownership of the building or prevent it from being sold, but if the owner decides to sell, eligible community organisations have the right to trigger a six-month period and are given time to prepare a bid to purchase the building.

Connelly, director of The New Ritz Collective, said: "This is such an important moment, not just for our group, but for Ilkeston.

"Like so many people in Ilkeston, we've walked past The Ritz for years and saw such an iconic building sitting empty, with no obvious future and so much potential. That's why we're trying to do something about it.

"This decision gives us even more confidence to keep working towards a future where The Ritz is once again a place that Ilkeston can be proud of.

"We believe our town deserves somewhere like this, and we're committed to doing everything we can to help make that happen."

The collective said it had been working with local residents, partner organisations and stakeholders to explore options for the building's long-term future.

A spokesperson for the council said the nomination from the collective to make The Ritz an ACV was "assessed against the criteria set out within the Localism Act 2011 and the Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012, and was determined to satisfy the requirements for listing".

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.