Councillors were able to get their first glimpse of the new look Regal Theatre this week as the cafe and entrance starts to take shape.
Following its refurbishment and extension, the Regal will feature three modern cinema screens offering an improved audio-visual experience and new seating, as well as a new front of house, café and bar area. The improved entrance and car parking will also add to the visitor experience.
It is hoped the new cinema will attract more visitors into the town to enjoy shopping and attractions as well as the bars and restaurants that Stowmarket has to offer.
Despite work starting onsite back in March, this is the first time that councillors from Stowmarket Town Council and Mid Suffolk District Council, who are leading on the development, have been able to see the progress of the new cinema which is due to be completed in early 2021.
Work has been progressing onsite through lockdown with the team from Mixbrow Construction adopting safe working practices to meet the government guidance around COVID-19.
The Regal Theatre is benefitting from £3.6m investment and is part of a wider vision for Stowmarket, with the aim of improving and increasing leisure provision for the community and attracting more visitors into the heart of the town and local area.
Cllr Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council deputy leader and cabinet member for economic growth said: “It is fantastic to see the developments at the Regal, especially given the exceptional circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic. Once completed, we hope the Regal Theatre will be a fantastic asset for the residents in Stowmarket, as well as attracting visitors to enjoy both the day and night-time economies that that town has to offer.”
Cllr Paul Ekpenyong, Stowmarket Town Mayor said: “The Regal Theatre is at the heart of the community and I know many residents are looking forward to seeing the finished results. This is a flagship project for Stowmarket and despite the impact of COVID-19, I am delighted to see that significant progress has been made.”
The Regal Theatre redevelopment is being project managed by Northmores, with Needham Market based Mixbrow Construction delivering all building and refurbishment work.
This summer, while the cinema is closed, residents can visit Regal on the Road at the John Peel Centre to enjoy a variety of family films. More information can be found on the Regal Stowmarket Facebook page.
Pictured l-r are Cllr Julie Flatman – Mid Suffolk District Council, Cllr Suzie Morley – Mid Suffolk District Council, Cllr Gerard Brewster – Mid Suffolk District Council, Cllr Barry Salmon – Stowmarket Town Council, Nick Gowrley – Stowmarket Town Council, Cllr Paul Ekpenyong – Stowmarket Town Mayor (Picture Gregg Brown Photography)