The battle to save the former Rivoli cinema in Sandown could be at an end following the revelation that plans are to be submitted to the Isle of Wight Council to build new homes on the site.
A fundraising campaign, led by Island filmmaker Bruce Webb, has already raised £90,000 towards purchasing the building on Station Avenue in the hope it could be once against transformed into an arts hub, however the campaign failed to meet the January deadline of £180,000.
Now, owners of the disused cinema are planning to partially demolish the building – keeping the grand front – to make way for 5 brand new homes.
Although another £90,000 is needed, it is hoped that the full funds can be raised before plans progress and demolition starts.
