| Subject |
MP
meets with NILGOSC to discuss the future of the IMAX
|
| Ref |
PR/06-130 |
| Date |
Friday
21st April 2006 |
On Thursday 20th
April Tobias Ellwood MP met with Jim Burgess, property advisor for
NILGOSC (The Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation
Committee) the committee responsible for the IMAX building.
Tobias has been
seeking to fundamentally alter the building, which is seen as an
eye-sore by many residents. He believes that the closure of the
IMAX cinema would provide an ideal opportunity to turn an ugly building
into an attraction appropriate for such a prime sight, possibly
housing a wet weather facility such as a swimming pool.
NILGOSC is still
locked in legal negotiations with the tenants, the Sheridan Group,
who are contracted to run the IMAX. The dispute is now going to
Court on the 5th June, where a ruling will be made about the ownership
of the lease.
If the Court
rules in favour of NILGOSC the option to change the use of the building
will be available to them. Should NILGOSC lose the Sheridan Group
will retain control of the cinema and will be unable to alter the
terms of its use for a further six years.
Following the
meeting Tobias said:
"It has
also emerged that Bournemouth businessman Mr Richard Carr is showing
an interest in the entire building. Bearing in mind the call from
thousands of residents to replace the IMAX with an indoor swimming
pool it will be interesting to learn what plans he might have for
the building."
|
