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GIVING AN ICONIC ART DECO CINEMA A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

An historic landmark in the North Yorkshire town of Redcar is being given a new lease of life with transformational plans by GT3 Architects. The Regent Cinema is a beachfront building that has been providing entertainment for more than a century and has been depicted in many popular railway posters, even featuring in the 2006 blockbuster film Atonement. Transforming such an iconic venue required extensive historical research throughout the design process to ensure sympathy to both the seafront location and the building’s rich history.

Suzanne Blair, associate director at GT3, said: “The original 1920s Art Deco façade really inspired the interior architecture of the new cinema complex. We introduced contemporary styling with a touch of ‘roaring twenties’ Hollywood glamour and bold ‘Regent Red’ running throughout the building, which is complemented by blues and greens, bold geometric patterns, and a variety of textural finishes.

“The dramatic North Sea backdrop is also reflected throughout the design. The architecture responds to the stone, brick, and concrete along the seafront promenade, blending in seamlessly with the landscape. The café has been relocated to first floor level and a ribbon of full height glazing offers panoramic sea views. The glass-walled foyer and floor-to-ceiling curtain wall offers dappled views of the promenade, further capitalising on the stunning scenery.”

With extensive public support for keeping the facility as a cinema, it was imperative that the design put the local community at its heart. The new scheme will include three screens as well as a café and associated facilities.

The fabric of the building is also designed to retain heat with a 25% thermal performance improvement and solar control glazing will reduce overheating, minimising the need for active cooling systems.

Suzanne added: “The design celebrates the history of the site in the style and elevation while also successfully capturing the wide views of the ocean and town centre. The Regent Cinema has been continually reinvented throughout its lifetime and this new incarnation will give it a new lease of life and be of great value to the local community.”

From the Pier to the New Pavillion to Regent Cinema, this new version of the cinema marks the next chapter of the site’s long history and will serve the Redcar community as well as stand the test of time for years to come.

The scheme is being developed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council with the help of TVCA funding.