THE eyesore that is Tamworth’s historic Regent Cinema building is set to undergo a much-needed facelift.
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The landmark’s once grand facade has fallen into disrepair since the last movie was screened there in 2008.
![SIGN OF THE TIMES: The old Regent Cinema on the corner of Kable Ave and Brisbane St is set to undergo a long-awaited makeover, including being fitted with a digital advertising sign, after falling into disrepair. Photo: Gareth Gardner 030715GGE02 SIGN OF THE TIMES: The old Regent Cinema on the corner of Kable Ave and Brisbane St is set to undergo a long-awaited makeover, including being fitted with a digital advertising sign, after falling into disrepair. Photo: Gareth Gardner 030715GGE02](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-y8YKNWH3Pdv2guZsVFQpjk/c412d4cb-4e01-4ce5-9315-ee3bdaef3d55.jpg/r0_63_3168_1915_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
There has been growing discontent among residents about the building’s worsening amenity, given its prominent position.
Tamworth’s Ken Harman described it as “dirty, disgraceful (and) unkempt” and said the owner had a responsibility to keep it presentable.
“What an eyesore for visitors and people just travelling through town as they veer around the bend out of Bridge St (and) into Brisbane St,” he said.
“The first thing they see is this derelict old building.”
However, owner Andrew Ward said a development application would be lodged with Tamworth Regional Council next week.
He said the document would outline his plans to refurbish the old cinema’s exterior and fit it with a large electronic advertising sign.
The Melbourne-based businessman, who also owns the former Workmen’s Club in West Tamworth and Forum 6 Cinemas, said it would have two purposes.
“We will be applying for a large digital sign, which will be for two uses – one commercial and one community-
related. And it will allow us an offset on the large costs that we’re paying at the moment to keep it empty,” he said.
The Regent opened on January 6, 1938 and for 70 years was one of the city’s most-loved entertainment venues.
But the venue was vacated when Mr Ward opened the state-of-the-art Forum 6 Cinemas in the Centrepoint Shopping Centre in 2009.
Mr Ward said there had been “a bit of interest” recently from potential buyers in the long-vacant building. However, he said the real interest in the 755 square metre site was likely to come off the back of retail giant Officeworks opening later this year in Kable Ave.
“I think it will be a much more attractive part of town (for developers) with Officeworks there,” he said.
“I think something will probably start moving on that in the next six or eight months, something like that.”