UNCERTAINTY hangs over the future of a former cinema in Dumbarton after the property was put up for sale.

The former Rialto cinema on College Street has been listed by London City Auctions for offers over £325,000, but also features on Kirkstone Property for offers over £395,000.

The building last operated as a Carlton bingo hall until the Inverness-based firm closed it down in 2020, citing the impact of the pandemic on its business.

Opened in 1914 by Joseph Wingate, the picture house could accommodate 1,425 people in two theatres.

It was then sold to Green’s in 1924 and again to Scottish Cinemas and Variety Theatres in 1927, when it was renamed the Rialto Cinema.

It was rebuilt during the 1980s as a combined cinema and bingo hall, with two small cinemas upstairs in the original balcony area.

But the cinema side of the operation closed in 1989, with the bingo hall following suit 21 years later after Covid struck, with the loss of seven jobs.

The listing says the present owners are currently renovating the building, and describe the sale as “a great investment opportunity to acquire this spacious commercial building in a charming town”.

The listing says the building has “undergone a complete reconstruction” since the closure of the bingo hall almost two years ago and adds: “This large building would be ideal for a wide range of uses including restaurants and for children’s play areas.

“With so much internal and external space the possibilities for this building are endless, subject to obtaining any required consents from the local council.”

It is understood that a Facebook group called ‘Save Dumbarton Rialto’ was set up last year by Sharon Murphy, who also runs ‘Save Dumbarton High Street’, and currently sits at almost 120 members.

In a recent post to the group one member wrote: “Sad to see that the Rialto has been put up for sale. I wasn’t able to commit enough time to contribute to this group, but thanks to those who did in an attempt to keep the building part of the community.”

Another added: “I don’t think I’d like to see it converted to residential. Hopefully it gets a buyer willing to do something with it to benefit the local community.”