Project Overview
- Project: Regent Cinema
- Client: Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
- Construction Value: £9m
- Status: Completed
- Location: Teesside
The Regent Cinema has been a beachfront landmark in Redcar, North Yorkshire, for more than 100 years. After falling into a state of disrepair, in 2018 GT3 Architects were commission by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to explore options for the refurbishment, redevelopment or relocation of the existing iconic landmark.
After undertaking a feasibility study to provide the client with options to deliver tangible regeneration benefits inkeeping with the council’s ambitions for the Town Centre, we were delighted to have been commissioned to undertake the Architecture and Interior Design of an exciting new interpretation of the independent cinema, offering an exciting new destination for the people and Redcar (and the wider North East).
With half of the cinema being built into the sand in a tidal zone, and with the coastal environment impacting material longevity and quality, plus significant constraints working next to a neighbouring SSSI site, teamwork from the whole project team was needed for a successful outcome.
The external design of the new cinema takes its cue from the original and much-loved art deco building, with scalloped terracotta rainscreen cladding and feature red baguettes. A large, glazed elevation provides a striking approach to the building as well as views out along the beach from the main staircase.
Externally, the building draws on its history and unique seafront location to stand out from other buildings in the area. Unique detailing on the terracotta façade was specified, bringing ‘Regent’s red’ into the 21st Century and drawing on motifs from the original art deco picture house.
The new cinema houses three screens (replacing the existing single screen), ranging in size from 34 seats to 94. This is supported by a flexible first floor cafe and bar space, offering panoramic sea views and an outdoor seating area and terrace.
The interior design continues the exterior themes, drawing from Art Deco style, and taking reference from the different stages in the cinema’s history, while maintaining a contemporary feel.
The entrance foyer looks to evoke ‘Hollywood glamour’ with a double height ‘Regents red’ wall, which runs through the length of the building, punctuated with rich blue decorative panels, whilst providing acoustic treatment to the space. A feature stair, providing views out along the promenade, extends up to the first floor café space. Located above the beach, a ribbon of full height glazing from the café offers panoramic sea views from the comfort of the inside seating, with an external terrace where visitors can overlook the beach.
The cinema now houses three screens, which each have their own theme, based on key aspects of the cinema’s history, portrayed through colour and bespoke ‘poster’ artwork in the acoustic wall finish. Bold, natural and patterned finishes are combined throughout the spaces. Herringbone timber finish floors continue from foyer throughout the café and a scalloped profile, echoing the external façade tiles, runs through upholstery of banquette seating and the teal-stained timber bar fronts. Brass accents throughout the interiors; in floor borders, inlays and trims, bring a subtle luxury to the spaces.
Regent Cinema was successfully brought to completion 4 weeks early, with an additional estimated budget saving of 5-10%.
In 2022, Regent Cinema was awarded Building Project of the Year by North East’s Constructing Excellence for its successful delivery during environmental constraints, inclusion with the Redcar community and design delivery that reflects the buildings history.
At GT3 Architects we are passionate about delivering quality external and interior design for buildings within the Entertainment and Hospitality sector.
Find out how we can help bring your restoration project to life in your area by contacting our Nottingham or Newcastle-based Architects and Interior Design experts.
