Regal Theatre – the old Chelsea – to get multimillion-dollar renovation under new plans
It’s 100 years old – and now this cult-favourite cinema and theatre in Adelaide’s east is getting a huge makeover and new outdoor area. See the designs.
SA News
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Detailed multimillion-dollar upgrade plans for one SA’s oldest cinemas have been revealed, as the project wins $2.5m in federal grant money.
The art-deco Regal Cinema – known as the Chelsea until 2020 – on Kensington Rd would undergo a transformation to enhance its 100-year-old heritage, boost paying customers, and increase open space.
Owners Burnside Council has put aside $3.45m but engagement co-ordinator Bernie Auricht said the council was seeking more grant funding.
“Council has not yet gone to market for construction, so the cost assessment has not been released to ensure a competitive tender process, and to gain the best value for money for our ratepayers,” she said. “Council will seek extra funding.”
Last week, it was announced the project had won $2.43m under the federal government’s Thriving Suburbs Program.
Under the wide-ranging plans, the foyer will be reconfigured, the stage size increased with new wings, a new green room built for performers and the interior changed to accommodate movies and live entertainment to attract more patrons.
The toilets would be renovated amid a major rethink of accessibility across the theatre.
A large part of the revamp focuses on rejuvenating the disused outdoor undercover area on the eastern side to create a new entrance with a ‘laneway’ atmosphere with artwork, furniture and lighting that leads to a dining area.
More trees, shaded deck, a new garden and extra lawn would be planted and extra landscaping is planned for a resurfaced carpark.
Meanwhile, the restaurant kitchen will be moved to the cottage on the site, to make room for a possible cafe or other retail in the theatre.
Construction would create about 35 jobs, council documents show, and add about $5m to the local economy.
Burnside Council took control of the heritage-listed Art Deco film house in Kensington Park in 2017. Opening in 1925, it was known as the Chelsea Cinema until 2020 and is SA’s oldest continuously running purpose-built cinema.
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