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Revision as of 07:30, 6 January 2025 by AtticTapestry (talk | contribs) (A cinema in Lancashire)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Regent Cinema | |
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| General information | |
| Location | Blackpool, Lancashire |
| Address | 189 Church Street Blackpool FY1 3NY |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 53°49′4.382″N 3°2′45.434″W / 53.81788389°N 3.04595389°W / 53.81788389; -3.04595389 grid reference SD 31241 36238 |
| Opened | 1921 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Lumb and Walton |
| Website | |
| theregentblackpool | |
The Regent Cinema is a cinema in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, opened in 1921. From the 1970s it was a bingo hall; after renovation in the 2010s it re-opened as a cinema and antiques centre. it is a Grade II listed building.
History and description
The cinema, originally named the Regent Picture House, was designed by Lumb and Walton, architects practicing in Blackpool, and opened on 17 January 1921, showing the film The Call of the Road. It seated 1,092, with 420 seats in the balcony and 42 in an upper balcony.
The building is in Neo-Baroque style, clad in white-glazed terracotta tiles. The listing text comments that it is "a good example of an Edwardian 'transitional' cinema of 1921". It is constructed of reinforced concrete; the beam of length 65 feet (20 m) supporting the floor of the balcony, making pillars unnecessary, was said to be the largest cast beam in the country at the time. The building was claimed to be the most fire-proof building in Blackpool. There was an elaborate ventilation system, which was claimed to be one of the most effective in any cinema at the time. There was a retractable roof in the centre of the auditorium ceiling, with glass panels, which were later replaced with grids. A well under the screen accommodated a five-piece orchestra, to accompany silent films; this was later altered when sound films arrived.
From 1969, bingo was held several nights a week, and it became a full time bingo club in 1971. It was acquired by Coral in 1973, and in later years there were several changes of ownership and changes of name. It was converted into a snooker hall in 2007.
Renovation
In 2012 the building was sold, and subsequently was renovated to bring it back to use as a cinema and venue for live performances. In 2014 it reopened as the Regent Antiques Centre. The building was given listed status, Grade II, by Historic England on 23 February 2016. It reopened as the Regent Cinema on 29 July of that year; it screens films on Fridays, and the antiques centre is open daily.
See also
References
- ^ Historic England. "The former Regent Picture House (1428565)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
- ^ "Regent Cinema" Cinema Treasures. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
- ^ The Victorian Society. "Regent Picture House 189 Church Street, Blackpool" A Biographical Dictionary of the Architects of Greater Manchester. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
- "The Regent's Progression" The Regent Blackpool. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- "Inside enormous 1920s cinema in Blackpool home to amazing antique emporium and vintage tearoom" Lancs Live, 21 July 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- "The Regent Antiques Centre" The Regent Blackpool. Retrieved 5 January 2025.