THE Westbourne Grand could be transformed into a Wetherspoons pub on the ground floor of the historic building.

Bought by property developer Elliott Heron Ltd, the Grand in Westbourne, which closed last week, is a grade two listed building which was used as a cinema for 55 years and a bingo venue for almost 40.

The auditorium also appeared in Ken Russell's 1977 film, Valentino.

The town's Civic Society has called for the building to be used as a heritage cinema attraction, and resist internal alterations.

But Elliott Oram, of Elliott Heron Ltd said Wetherspoons were very keen on the building.

Mr Oram, son of recently retired Bournemouth property developer Philip Oram, said: "We are looking at keeping a leisure use on the ground floor and possibly residential up stairs.

"We are currently in talks with the council. But Wetherspoons are very interested."

The company has also acquired other key sites including the former Duke's pub in Barrack Road, Christchurch and the Horse and Jockey in Wimborne Road.

A lot of interest has been expressed in Duke's, which has changed hands several times over the past few years, Mr Oram said.

Recently, the adjacent site including the police station, former magistrates court and car park has been sold to housing association, Aster Group.

They plan to build 106 new homes and retail units on the site.

No concrete plans have been drawn up for the former Horse and Jockey pub, known as the Smoking Outlaw when it closed.

The pub, in Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, has a history dating back to the 1920s when a racecourse opened on the nearby Ensbury Farm Estate.

As yet, plans are still being looked at for the venue, which was boarded up last year.