PRETTY in pink or an unsightly eyesore? The former Theatre Royal in Bournemouth town centre has a bold new look, but it's not to everyone's taste.

The grade two listed building in Albert Road is one of Bournemouth's most historic venues, dating back to 1882.

It is about to be relaunched as a nightclub and arts venue and its dramatic pink and gold colour scheme was chosen to "bring colour and joy to the community".

But rather than spreading some cheer, the decision has left many people seeing red.

Father Tony Pennicott, of the Sacred Heart Church situated opposite, said: "I look at this building the whole time I am sat in my office. It was a little tired and shabby but it used to be one of Bournemouth's most beautiful buildings. Now it is an eyesore.

"It is sleazy, ghastly and in bad taste. It lowers the tone of the whole neighbourhood, it is completely out of keeping.

"I'm very sad that such a classical building has been treated in such a way and I hope that if enough people complain, it will be repainted."

But leaseholder Paul Potter, who is opening the Superstar Boudoir club this Saturday, said he was delighted with the result.

"We've had people coming up and congratulating us on it," he said. "Everything seems so dull in the town, I just wanted to do something to bring the fun back."

Mr Potter, who was once listed by the Evening Standard as one of the country's top trend-setters, said he wanted to use the venue to do something positive for youth culture.

"It will not just be a nightclub. It will host bands, entertainers and show films.

"It's going to be connected to the Arts Council of the UK and local groups will be able to use the venue as their base during the day."

He said the club would be similar to Pacha in Ibiza and denied rumours there would be topless dancers. "We may have burlesque dancers but that is performance art," he said. "We would not do anything that is seedy, that's not our style."

Decorator Karl Nuttall, whose company True Colours carried out the makeover, said: "I think it looks fab. It's original, it's different and it's bringing excitement back into Bournemouth."

And Tony Randall, owner of nearby café Flavour, said: "I don't really like the colour scheme but I think it will have the desired effect and attract people.

"I've seen a lot more people walking down here to look at it and anything that brings people down this road is a good thing."