Restored Regal Cinema to open in New Year

Buy photos» RIGHT The Regal’s coffee shop is ready to open. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4211031MMR2

Gary Smee

20 October. Updated: 20 October 11:53

THE EAGERLY anticipated restoration of Evesham's historic Regal Cinema is beginning to take shape with the scaffolding set to come down within weeks.
The Port Street building's exterior has almost been restored to its former glory and the ground floor coffee shop is ready to open next month when the poles are removed.
In the main auditorium the stage is being built and different levels have been installed on the upstairs balcony to accommodate a mixture of sofas and luxury seating.
The sound system has already been installed along with a new heating system and the main bar and toilets are also just weeks away from being finished.
While no date has been set for the grand opening it is expected early in the new year.
Project manager Laurence Wiper said it had been a long road but he was excited they were now in the final stages of the development.
"The building was not in a good state of repair when we started and so it took a lot of time making the exterior safe while trying to preserve a lot of the original features," he said.
"For example we are delighted to have restored and used original doors in the coffee shop.
"I'm also excited to announce the screen in the main auditorium is going to be a lot bigger than originally planned. It's going to be 11 metres wide by five metres high which is about 50 per cent bigger."
The Regal Cinema is hosting what is likely to be its final open day next Sunday (October 30) from 10am until 4pm. The day gives people the chance to see first hand the work that is going on, ask any questions or buy golden tickets or become Friends of the Regal.
For more information log onto www.theregal.ac or visit the cinema's Facebook page.