THE company behind Bournemouth's IMAX cinema is out of the building - and the controversial cinema could be transformed into a casino.

Operator Sheridan has been shown the door by its landlord after months of the IMAX's giant screen remaining dark.

The pension fund which owns the lease on the Waterfront building says it is now looking at alternative options for the IMAX unit.

One popular move would be to turn it into a swimming pool to replace the one lost during the redevelopment of the BIC. But it has been revealed that a seafront casino may also be on the cards.

Jim Burgess, of pension fund Nilgos, confirmed Sheridan had been ousted. "I don't want to go into the grounds," he said. "They've forfeited the lease and the fund has now taken control of that part of the building."

Mr Burgess said there was a range of possible uses for the site, including a casino.

"We are open to any suggestions, as long as they work financially," he said.

"At the moment, we just don't know. If anyone can come up with an idea that works, then we will be happy to hear from them."

Mr Burgess is set to visit the town next week with his advisers to start thrashing out a future for the IMAX unit with Bournemouth council.

But Cllr Rob Copeland, the council's cabinet member for environment and leisure, believes a casino would be bottom of the list of choices.

"I think most people in Bournemouth would like to see this prime site up and running again but we certainly wouldn't support a casino there," he said.

"It's not the sort of quality wet- weather family attraction we had in mind for the waterfront."

Bournemouth council would have to approve any change of use for the building, added Cllr Copeland, who would rather see an indoor sports facility on the site.

"A swimming pool would be an option but I'm not sure how feasible it would be to convert the site," he said.

"Another idea may be an indoor climbing wall which I believe could work really well."

Bournemouth West MP Sir John Butterfill said: "A casino is more of a night-time activity. I would rather see something family related that could be used by our visitors in general."

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood, who is meeting Mr Burgess at the IMAX site on October 27, said: "Everybody seems to be jumping on the bandwagon but it is still early days. We have to listen to what local residents want and consider funding implications, being careful before we jump in.

"Jim and I will be looking at more detailed proposals. The cost implications have to be considered but I would support Sir John's view that we already have a great deal of night-time activity."

Sheridan was thrown out of the Waterfront complex once before, in January 2001, when the opening of the giant-screen cinema was running 18 months behind schedule.

The company was reinstated nine months later and went on to open the building in March 2002, but business was slow.

In March this year, Sheridan said the cinema was undergoing a refit and would be open for the peak season, but it has remained shut.

Jim Burgess of Nilgos is anticipating a possible legal wrangle with Sheridan. "I wouldn't be surprised if they go to the courts on this," he said.

Sheridan's chief executive Peter Holmes was said to be unavailable yesterday afternoon.

What do you think should replace the Sheridan IMAX? Email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk , or ring our reader response line on 01202 411455.

First published: October 18