A treasured Redcar cinema is set to be transformed as work starts on site after plans by GT3 Architects were given the green light.
The Regent Cinema is a beachfront landmark building that has been providing entertainment in Redcar, North Yorkshire, for more than 100 years. Following its closure in 2018, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council developed a plan to completely reimagine the single screen cinema to provide a brand-new leisure facility with the help of TVCA funding.
The scheme includes three screens – offering 95, 54, and 35 spaces respectively – and a cafe with spectacular views of the North Sea as well as associated facilities. The two-storey building will feature a glass walled foyer, to make the most of the views, as well as glazed terracotta tiles and feature entrance canopy.
The plan also includes the construction of a new sea defence structure from the beach to promenade level.
Suzanne Blair, associate director at GT3, said: “We’re delighted that work has now started on this exciting and iconic project. 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.
“The building is situated on a prominent seafront location, so we wanted the design to reflect that as well as respond to the monolithic stone, brick, and concrete of the town – but with a contemporary style. The design therefore draws inspiration from the rich history of the site and the art deco style of the existing building – which is due to be demolished following safety issues.
“As a result, following extensive consultations, the design provides a contemporary venue and meeting space for the whole community. It celebrates the history of the site in the style and elevation while also successfully capturing the wide views of the ocean and town centre, so we’re thrilled to see the project start on site.”
Along with retaining the style and community focus of the building, another key driver for the new Regent Cinema was sustainability. The design will be developed in line with the Redcar and Cleveland Sustainability Charter.
As a result, the fabric of the building is designed to retain heat and aims for a 25% thermal performance improvement above the levels required by Building Regulations. Solar control glazing has been specified for the foyer curtain walling in order to reduce overheating in sunny conditions and minimise the need for active cooling systems.
Mark Hopgood, senior place development and investment project lead at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “We’re very pleased to be working with GT3 Architects as the team brings lots of experience and expertise to the project. They have been great every step of the way throughout the process, so we’re delighted to reach this first milestone and start the initial works on site.
“The Regent Cinema is a historic landmark for Redcar so to be able to reinvigorate the site will be fantastic for the town and local community.”
GT3 Architects is an award-winning architectural practice with studios in Nottingham and Newcastle. The people focused firm works across a number of different sectors including sports and leisure, workplace, masterplanning, residential, and more.
