[press release from the Hon. Anna Bligh]
The historic Regent Theatre complex in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall is set to become the cultural heart, and operational centre, for cinema and television in Queensland.
Premier Anna Bligh and Deputy Premier Paul Lucas today announced that the State Heritage-listed building will host a new Queensland Film and Television Centre.
The centre will become the headquarters for the State’s leading film and television artistic and training groups while retaining three working cinemas.
"I can think of no grander vision then to breathe new life into the Regent while still retaining a functioning cinema complex with the building," Ms Bligh said.
"The Regent’s future lies not just as a working, boutique cinema but also the home of Queensland’s film and television industry.
"People will be able to go to see a movie on weekends and public holidays, during the week it will be a vibrant artistic centre."
The Premier said that developers ISPT an d Brookfield Multiplex, had offered to host the Queensland Film and Television Centre at the Regent at no extra cost to the taxpayer.
"This centre will make a significant contribution to Brisbane city by protecting the Regent’s magnificent heritage-listed building," she said.
"But by making sure it stays a working cinema and adding the film and television precinct we have created a drawcard for the arts world."
"The redeveloped venue will house the offices of the Pacific Film and Television Commission, the Brisbane International Film Festival and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
"It will also continue to play a part in major events on the Queensland arts’ industry calendar such as the Brisbane International Film Festival."
The Queensland Government took steps to protect the Regent in February 2008 by issuing a direction aimed at preserving the historic theatre when it was threatened by development plans.
"Since then the develope rs have amended their plans to provide three multi-function auditoria suitable for cinema, live performance and meetings," said the Premier.
"One auditorium will have 300 seats while the others will each have 60 seat spaces.
"They will be accessible via the original Heritage-listed foyer preserving a vital link between the old and the new Regent."
The Regent Theatre was erected in 1928 and has been screening movies since 1929. It has a rare, gothic Spanish architectural style and is reminiscent of the Hollywood picture palace era.
The Theatre is one of only four Hoyts/Regent picture palaces constructed in Australia during this period.
Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the Queensland Government would enter into a formal agreement with ISPT and Brookfield Multiplex this month to cement the landmark agreement.
"There will be a heritage advisory committee established including members of the community to provide ongoing input during t he redevelopment," said Mr Lucas.
"The Regent’s prominent location and long history, combined with its spectacular ornate foyers, mean it is cherished by the movie-going public and high-profile members of the arts industry alike.
"That’s why the Government stepped in to make sure that this heritage would not be lost to Brisbane’s future generations."