A BID to list Bournemouth’s historic Odeon cinema as an ‘asset of community value’ (ACV) has been rejected.

The town’s Civic Society hoped that by gaining ACV status, the building, in Westover Road, could be preserved as a “multi-use performance space and café/restaurant”.

Developer Libra Homes, which owns the building, has published plans to build shops on the ground and first floors and 84 flats above, including a prominent six-storey extension on top of the main building.

Civic Society chairman Ken Mantock said: “We are extremely disappointed by the council’s decision.”

Libra Homes has said Odeon placed a covenant on the building when it was sold, preventing its future use as a cinema.

However the Civic Society believes use as a community performance space is still feasible.

“Although there is no right of formal appeal we have issued a strong response challenging this decision which, we believe, has not fully taken into account the realistic prospect put forward for a potential continuing leisure/cultural use which would not affect the alleged covenant,” said Mr Mantock.

The society said Historic England is currently reconsidering the building for statutory listing based on “substantial new evidence” relating to the surviving 1920s fabric and decoration within the building and its contribution to the history of British cinema architecture.

A decision is expected before the end of the year.

James Weir, the society’s heritage and conservation officer, said: “Despite this setback to its future as an asset for the town and a draw to Westover Road, we remain actively committed to developing and promoting the very real and exciting alternative possibilities to give this unique and historically significant asset a new life providing leisure and cultural facilities for the town and its visitors for years to come.”

The ACV nomination was supported by the Save Bournemouth Odeon campaign, Boscombe Forum, Pokesdown Community Forum, the Cinema Theatre Association, the C20 Society and SAVE Britain’s Heritage.

Bournemouth council has responded. Sue Bickler, head of community regeneration, said: "There are clear legislative requirements that must be met when assessing an application for an Asset of Community Value and on this occasion the Civic Society’s application for the Odeon Building failed to meet these criteria.

"We acknowledge the importance of maintaining the integrity of the building, and these issues will be dealt with appropriately through the planning process when a planning application is submitted."