A CAMPAIGN to reopen the historic Regal Cinema in Ringwood town centre has received a boost after developers agreed to meet to discuss the building's future.

The Save the Regal Cinema in Ringwood group was launched with the aim of re-opening the venue as a family entertainment space for people to enjoy.

A petition has so far been signed by almost 2,000 people wanting see the Regal Cinema venue, which has remained empty for several years, transformed back to its glory days, when it played host to bands like Status Quo, Amen Corner and Edison Lighthouse.

Meanwhile, plans from Development Securities Ltd involve keeping the facade of the Regal Cinema but demolishing the auditorium behind it to make way for new shops linking the Furlong to the Market Place.

These plans have not yet been to New Forest District Council.

However last week the campaign to save the cinema received a pleasant surprise when it was contacted by the building's owners offering an opportunity to meet discuss the group's proposals for the future.

According to Mike Tuck, chairman of the Save the Regal Cinema in Ringwood campaign, they will be meeting a representative from London at the Regal towards the end of this month.

He said: "I have cheekily suggested to the developers to “give” us the building, so keep your fingers crossed for our meeting, as it’s not impossible.

"Shopping centres are not as popular as they once were so the cinema may be in with a chance - so watch this space”.

"In the meantime please keep signing the petition to strengthen the support we already have and please don’t be afraid to send us money.

"One of the first things we will need to do is to order a Structural Survey to ensure the building is worth saving. Following that I suspect a new roof will be next on the shopping list, so we have plenty of ways to spend your money."

On Saturday the group launched a new website which allows anyone wishing to support the campaign to become a "Friend" make a donation and sign the petition.

For more information, go to www.ringwood-regal.co.uk.