REFURBISHMENTS ARE nearing completion at The Regent, which will reopen on Saturday, February 20, from noon, following a three-week refurbishment that’s given the building a new lease on life.
One of the Tweed Shire’s most iconic buildings is a symbol to the art-deco age and one that has stood the test of time to become a much-loved community asset.
Wanting to nurture this asset, business owner and operator Allira Cornell undertook a targeted refurbishment with a name change, new carpet, fresh coat of paint, new signage and a focus on more entertainment and live performances.
Allira, alongside her dedicated staff, have since poured their hearts and souls into revitalising the site, while maintaining the building’s current charms and art-deco appeal.
The changes have not been extreme, as The Weekly discovered during a sneak peek this week, with the site now known as The Regent and even the return of the beanbags inside the freshly carpeted theatre.
“Myself and the building owner Stephen Webb have together made a significant investment in the business to create a truly sumptuous experience,” Allira said.
“We’re inviting guests back for our grand opening on Saturday, February 20, from noon until late. The first film back is David Byrne’s American Utopia.”
In fact, Allira said there was a quarter of an acre of carpet to pull up and replace across the site.
“It’s been a big project, but we’re really happy with the results,” she said.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Leith and I hope the community will be as overjoyed with the result as we are.”
Allira said she had received a lot of requests to update the seating in the theatre, which is an option she’s considering in the next phase of renovations.
“I’m taking the feedback on board and planning maybe a few rows of new seating in a gold class-style arrangement,” she said.
The Regent screening schedule will feature double doco Wednesday and Saturday mornings and March is music month.
Allira said the renovations utilised many local businesses, including Print Spot, who completed the new signage using Leith Walton’s amazing new logo designs from Nurtured Creations.
“I’m really happy with the new logos and I’m sure the community will enjoy them,” Allira said.
The carpet was sourced via Suttos and local builders were employed from Bruns Valley Builders.
“A lot of what we’ve done was with respect to the heritage listing,” she said.
“We’re also working on ways to install a disabled access stair platform lift that can take electric wheelchairs and prams for CineMama sessions.
“We’ll be installing that when parts arrive in about three months. It is our highest priority to offer access for all patrons.”
The Regent also offers a new menu and wine list, cheese platters, and the availability of venue hire and private screenings.
“We are inviting the community to come and see the newly refurbished site on Saturday to see what we’ve been up to and give us some feedback,” she said.
Check out The Regent session times on page 33.