Mudgee Regent Theatre

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2007

2007: Dorothy the Dinosaur meets the Squeakers
Long before the Wiggles were back in the news with a win in the Triple J Hottest 100, Dorothy the Dinosaur was making a stop in Mudgee and performing at Mudgee's Regent Theatre.

We dug through the archives for this gem from 2007. Mudgee's Regent Theatre was still active and hosted the dino dance party.

Original story: Last Thursday, Mudgee Squeakers Long Day Care Centre had a special visitor -Dorothy the Dinosaur. Dorothy is big and green with bright yellow spots. The children joined in the fun of singing and dancing with Dorothy to promote her upcoming dance party on Tuesday, May 1.

In the audience was a little Captain Feathersword and many Wiggles fans.

Join in more fun and entertainment when they return to Mudgee's Regent Theatre.

The show will be full of your favourites, Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword, Henry the Octopus and Dorothy the Dinosaur and songs including Fruit Salad, Rock-a-Bye Your Bear, Go Captain Feathersword, Ahoy, Romp Bomp A Stomp, Hot Potato and many more1 .

2009

16 July 2009
Price blunder cancels Regent Theatre auction
The auction of Mudgee's historic Regent Theatre has been called off.

Auctioneer Hugh Bateman says due to a "bad misunderstanding" a Mudgee newspaper printed the reserve price.

He says it is auction policy never to reveal the reserve and the vendor is angry.

"That's the whole means of conducting an auction whereby you let the prospective purchasers make their own decision as to the value of the property," he said.

"Unfortunately it's forced our hand and so now we're going to have to cancel the auction and the property is now available for sale, private sale, and the vendor's given us instructions to state that it's on the market for $950,000."

Mr Bateman says the vendor is reserving his right to take legal action.

However, he says the Regent Revival film festival is still on this weekend because it is an important way of showing prospective buyers the volume of people using the cinema.

"On the first weekend we had about 1,000 people through, last weekend we had just over 800 people through, we're predicting similar numbers this weekend and after that unfortunately unless we do sell the property then unfortunately it will close," he said.

The weekly newspaper has published a correction on its website.

It blames a misunderstanding between the reporter and interviewee2 .

2010

4 October 2010
Historic Mudgee theatre sale
A buyer has been found for an historic 75 year-old theatre in Mudgee, which has been on the market for more than one year.

The Regent Theatre was due to be auctioned last June but it was cancelled when the reserved price was printed in a local newspaper.

The contracts have been exchanged and the sale now needs to be approved by the Mid-Western Regional Council.

The selling agent Hugh Bateman says it's taken a lot of hard work to reach this point.

"We have a contract exchanged on the Regent Theatre at present," he said.

"It's subject to a number of conditions so we have to go through those conditions, one of which will be council approval but yes we have an exchange of contracts and we look forward to something happening there.

I guess we just have to wait now and see if the conditions can be complied with and subject to the approval that's required for the property we've got to look forward to the future and hopefully everything will go through smoothly," he said3 .

2012

11 January 2012
Theatre may become apartments; The owner of Mudgee's Regent Theatre says he is considering turning it into apartments to sell the building.
The owner of Mudgee's Regent Theatre says he is considering turning it into apartments to sell the building.

Peter Freedman put the Church Street venue on the market more than two years ago but has failed to find a buyer.

He says he bought the building hoping to revive it as an entertainment spot but has been unable to do so.

Mr Freedman says architects have drawn up plans to convert the building into retail and residential units in a bid to make it more attractive to a buyer.

"I've been approached by, in recent times, by developers, who are interested in turning it in to apartments to be honest with you," he said.

"Maybe a little bit of retail up the front, keeping the facade.

"Which would be sad, I'd hate to see that happen but at the end of the day I've got to get out."

He says while he would prefer it was still used as a theatre, the new plans would preserve the streetscape.

"As you drove down, if this goes ahead, you wouldn't see anything different but there would be, it wouldn't be a theatre any more," he said.

"Maybe the parts at the front could be but it would be out of my hands then, I'm just going to sell it off to somebody and they'll do what they do.

"But certainly the facade will always remain so that the feel of the place will be there4 ."

15 January 2012
Mudgee Regent Theatre up for auction
Mudgee's Regent Theatre will go up for auction in March, as owner Peter Freedman accepts he needs to let someone try reopening the historic venue.

"I've got to sell it," Mr Freedman said.

"I've tried everything I could."

Mr Freedman said he had found the experience of owning the theatre "very disappointing".

Although he purchased the building in August 2007 with high hopes of seeing it restored and reopened, the ensuing years left him unable to find someone to rent and manage the venue.

He said he spent a lot of money on the early stages of the cinema's restoration, and had been prepared to spend more, but nobody else seemed to have the funds to take on what he still believes is a great investment opportunity.

"If I had another life, I'd run it myself," he said, noting that his role running multinational microphone manufacturer Rode Microphones made operating the Regent himself impossible.

"I've got to sell it, I've tried everything I could."

Mr Freedman said he had envisioned the theatre's upper floor becoming a Gold Class cinema, with the classic 1930s fittings retained downstairs, and a shop established in the front.

He said people had asked to use the building for events over recent years, but insurance issues had forced him to turn them down.

"I've just had to close it," he said. "That's been the sad thing as well."

Now, he hopes a buyer with new ideas may have more success at putting the building to use.

While nothing would make Mr Freedman happier than seeing the Regent operating as a cinema, he said he had also been approached by developers interested in splitting the building into apartments.

He even had plans drawn up to test the possibilities of an apartment complex, but he still holds out hope that someone with vision can put the building again to its original purpose.

"No question - something will happen," he said5 .

12 April 2012
Regent Theatre to be auctioned
One of Mudgee's most-discussed sites will be auctioned this weekend, when the Regent Theatre goes under the hammer at 11am on Saturday, April 14.

If the building is not sold, owner Peter Freedman has announced he will reluctantly proceed with a plan to convert it into a three-storey apartment block.

The Property Shop principal Hugh Bateman, who is handling the sale, said a few interested parties had already inspected the theatre.

"I've had one international enquiry, and interest from Sydney and the Blue Mountains," Mr Bateman said.

"At this stage, I really can't tell you what the result will be on Saturday.

"Suffice to say, I know our vendor is a keen seller, and he's prepared to meet the market."

Sound equipment manufacturer Peter Freedman purchased the Regent Theatre in August 2007, planning to restore and reopen it, but was unable to find someone to rent the building and manage the cinema.

An earlier auction scheduled in 2009 was cancelled following the publication of an inaccurate and unworkable reserve price in The Weekly.

This weekend's auction has been publicised broadly in hopes of finding a buyer able to realise the building's potential.

"He's spent quite a considerable amount of money nationally promoting it," Mr Bateman said

Mr Freedman established a website at www.regent-theatre.com.au, displaying artist's impressions of the building in use as a cinema, dinner venue and function centre - as well as plans for a "prestige residential conversion - with or without gold class cinema".

If Saturday's auction is unsuccessful, Mr Freedman will lodge a development application to demolish the main body of the building and construct three floors of apartments behind the art deco fa??ade.

"He's been reluctant to do it, very very reluctant to do it," Mr Bateman said.

"It will be a sad situation if we can't sell the site for a theatre. If it doesn't sell, that's where we're at, unfortunately."

Credit: Sam Paine6

16 April 2012
Regent Theatre passed in; Mudgee's historic Regent Theatre has failed to sell again.
Mudgee's historic Regent Theatre has failed to sell again.

The owners have had the 75 year old art deco building on the market for nearly three years and have spent thousands of dollars advertising it nationally.

There has already been one cancelled auction and a potential sale that fell through.

Mudgee real estate agent, Hugh Bateman, says while there were no bids at an auction on Saturday, several parties have expressed interest.

"We're still negotiating with those three parties two of which are from Sydney, one is local," he said.

"We hope something may come of it.

"Our vendor is very, very much trying to meet the marketplace, in fact has indicated to us a figure which he is prepared to accept which is lesser than what he paid in 2007 for it."

The owner has prepared a development application to convert it into units, in case it does not sell.

"He has plans prepared for several one bedroom units by keeping the facade and virtually building the units behind the facade," Mr Bateman said7 .

21 June 2012
Council tallies cost of Regent Theatre
Restoring Mudgee's Regent Theatre as a functional cinema and live performance venue would cost $4.7 million, according to a report considered by Mid-Western Regional Council this week.

General manager Warwick Bennett presented the report to council's meeting on Wednesday in order to confirm council was going down the right track in including movie facilities in the Town Hall Theatre.

Mr Bennett said the report - the first publicly available analysis of costs associated with re-opening the theatre - would also help members of the public to understand issues facing regional theatres.

Council investigated the cost of buying the theatre and developing it in two stages.

The cost of the first stage, including creation of two 100-seat theatres in the dress circle and renovation of the foyer and dress circle lounge, is estimated at $2 million.

This includes design, consultant and application fees ($70,000), construction of theatrettes ($150,000), external life for accessibility ($250,000), upgrading toilets ($200,000), general maintenance and upgrade including painting and carpet ($400,000), theatre fit out including equipment and seating ($530,000), kiosk ($100,000) and airconditioning, electrical upgrades and fire safety ($300,000).

Mr Bennett said the lift and accessible toilets, both major expenses, were essential to cater for people with disabilities.

Airconditioning or heating were also essential in Mudgee's climate, he said.

A second stage including upgrading the ground floor auditorium is estimated at $2.05 million, including extension of the back of stage and relocation of toilets, general maintenance, levelling of floor and seating, airconditioning, electrical upgrade and fire safety and stage lighting.

Council's cost estimate is based on a purchase price of around $700,000.

In his report, Mr Bennett said although the cost could be considered high, undertaking anything less would be contrary to NSW legislation and building standards.

He said buying the Regent Theatre was not affordable or an effective use of ratepayers money, taking into consideration the experience of other regional theatres around NSW.

"There has been a general decline in the number of regional cinemas in operation and from a commercial perspective, the major operators within this industry consider investment in regional cinemas is risky compared to metropolitan based cinemas."

The report does not include the ongoing cost of running The Regent, such as staff, electricity, heating, marketing or insurance, or finance costs if the purchase were financed through a loan.

However, council's research found single-screen cinemas were not viable due to the limited number of new releases that can be shown.

A three or four-screen theatre would help to meet film distribution requirements, but it would be difficult to attract the required audience with the region's current population, the report found.

Mr Bennett recommended council conduct a one-year trial of showing movies in the refurbished Town Hall Theatre for a year.

He said movie equipment was being purchased and subject to budget and patronage, this would allow council to screen movies in the Town Hall Theatre at least one weekend a month.

"We are aware of the historical importance of the Regent Theatre to this region, however it is management's opinion that it is not always the responsibility of council to own, operate and maintain historical buildings," he said.

The Regent Theatre failed to sell at auction in April. It has been on the market since 2009.

Credit: Robyn Murray8

22 June 2012
Council backs out of buying Mudgee theatre; Plans to resurrect Mudgee's historic Regent Theatre have been abandoned by the Mid-Western Regional Council.
Plans to resurrect Mudgee's historic Regent Theatre have been abandoned by the Mid-Western Regional Council.

A report to the council says it would cost around $700 thousand to buy the building and another $4 million for refurbishments.

The theatre has been on the market for a number of years and failed to sell at the latest auction.

The Council's General Manager Warwick Bennett says it is unviable for the icon to be used as a movie theatre.

"Council considers that expense too high considering that in the Town Hall that we're currently upgrading will also have the ability to show movies in that facility," he said.

"So to spend another four million dollars on a movie theatre council considers that uneconomic and not reasonable to place that financial burden on the ratepayers."

Mr Bennett says if other uses for the theatre are raised in the future the council will consider them.

"I'm quite sure if another opportunity or another option came up council would always consider that.

"The point that I need to make though is that to show movies in a region like ours is difficult.

"It's not possible to get the new release movies unless we can get up to 500 people9 ."

2014

1 June 2014
Historic Regent Theatre sold
After years on the market, the disused Regent Theatre was finally sold to new owners late last week.

The news was announced on The Property Shop's Facebook page on Thursday with a picture of the Regent Theatre captioned with the words 'We've sold it!'.

Comments quickly rolled in from interested locals who were all wondering if the local landmark would return to its roots and reopen as a theatre or if the new owners had other plans for the building.

Will be interesting to see what plans the new owners have. Good news for Mudgee,' Sonja Lunn said.

Former Mudgee resident Jenny Austin said hearing the news brought back a lot of memories.

I hope they keep it as a picture theatre. I'd love to take my kids there when we visit Mudgee,' she said.

Hugh Bateman from The Property Shop said both him and the old owners were relieved the building had finally sold after the work that had gone into marketing it over the years.

We're extremely relieved. We worked hard to get it operational as a theatre over the years and when that didn't work out, we've worked at getting it sold for the old owners,' he said.

Mr Bateman said the new owners had been looking at the building for some time before deciding to buy. While it is not known for certain what the new owners will do with the building, Mr Bateman said he didn't think they would be reopening the theatre.

Anything's possible really but it's financially infeasible to reopen the theatre. Over the years we've spoke to numerous theatre operators in order to try and get the cinema running again and they have all said it's just not a viable option,' he said.

The cost of renovating the theatre to bring it up to viable standards was discussed by Mid-Western Regional Council in 2012. General manager Warrick Bennett said restoring the Regent Theatre as a functional cinema ' including new seats, electrical updates, and a new screen - and live performance venue would cost over $4.7 million.

Mr Bateman said the new owners had talked about ideas and concepts they wanted to try but he had no idea what idea they would chose to go with in the end.

The Regent Theatre went out of business in 2009.

Credit: LAUREN STANFORD10

2015

10 February 2015
Regent renovation: Owner reveals proposal for landmark Mudgee building
Mudgee's iconic Regent Theatre is set to be redeveloped with plans to transform the building into a 34-unit apartment complex.

Owner of the property, Cameron Scott-Fell lodged a development application with Mid-Western Regional Council on Monday.

Under the proposal, the 1935 art-deco facade will remain and features including the nursery and foyer restored while the rear of the building, including the theatre hall and stage, will be demolished to make way for the four-storey complex.

The new structure will include 30 one- and two-bedroom apartments and four apartments in the original building above the lounge, with provision for commercial space.

Mr Scott-Fell is familiar with the theatre, having sat in its seats as a child, and investigated the possibility of reinstating it.

It was probably 18 months ago sitting across the road at the coffee shop and I said: 'Gee, there's got to be something we can do with that building',' said Mr Scott-Fell, a builder developer, whose grandfather built several Mudgee landmarks including the clock tower.

I did some research to find council had done a very exhaustive study here to see if they could reinstate it and I think the cost and viability of it to re-open it as a picture theatre just didn't stack up.

In 2012, Mid-Western Regional Council estimated it would cost $4.7 million to bring the theatre up to standards of a modern functional cinema.

The 986-seat venue has just one female toilet, is not air-conditioned and does meet fire regulations.

It has been the topic of much speculation since it closed in 2009.

The Property Shop director and marketing agent, Andrew Palmer said several independent enquires were made to restore the building in the four years it had been on the market however each found it would be too costly.

I think sentimentally a lot of people in the community would have liked to have seen a theatre but the reality was it just simply wasn't a viable option and we think this is a win win,' Mr Palmer said.

It will bring the building back to its former glory and will be restored beautifully in keeping with the facade as opposed to watching it sitting there and decay.

It's believed the theatre, designed by architect Douglas Smith, is of heritage significance but is not State Heritage Register. A heritage conservation report has recommended a new colour scheme sympathetic to the style of the building.

Mr Scott-Fell said he is confident the project will succeed and is reassured by positive growth in the town.

I think Mudgee is such a strong town, proximity to Sydney is helpful, there's tourism, there's mining, an airline about to start again, there's all those positive signs ' Moolarben's been approved for extension,' he said.

The proposal will be considered by council staff before going to council for a vote.

Credit: ELLE WATSON11

10 February 2015
Time to accept facts about the Regent
Before the 2012 council elections, with sections of the community agitating for council to buy the Regent and re-open the cinema, the Mudgee Guardian did what none of the proponents of this scheme had bothered to do: We contacted commercial and community theatre operators and asked 'Is a single-screen, 900-seat cinema a viable proposition'? The answer was unequivocably 'no'.

Even without considering the cost of buying the theatre, restoring it to modern standards of safety and comfort, and installing digital projectors, the Regent would face the same problems which have led to the closure of other cinemas, including film distribution costs and practices which work against smaller cinemas, and the popularity of home theatres, DVDs and now internet downloaded movies.

The president of the Independent Cinema Association of Australia at the time, Kieren Bell, was blunt: The Regent, licensed to seat 986 people and able to screen only one movie at a time, was just too big for Mudgee. Dividing the theatre into smaller cinemas would allow it show more movies, but Mr Bell was doubtful that Mudgee had the population to support this.

Mid-Western Regional Council later estimated that buying and restoring the Regent would cost $4.7 million, including $2 million to create a two-screen cinema.

The new owner of the Regent Theatre has also investigated the costs of restoring it as cinema and has concluded that this is not commercially viable.

Those who are calling for his proposed development to be blocked should accept what cinema owners have known for a long time: The days when everyone went to the pictures every Saturday night are gone. This is why it the Regent closed and why it has remained vacant for more than five years.

Stopping the owner from developing his building as he wishes will not bring the Regent's glory days back.

The Regent is indeed a landmark, but the best chance of preserving at least a part of it lies in accepting that it has outlasted its original use and must be adapted to suit modern day Mudgee.

Credit: Robyn Murray12

12 February 2015
Regent part of Mudgee's identity
A town's identity is crafted, not earned. It is crafted by the values of a community, by what that community deems important. The desolation of the Regent Theatre will be a blight on Mudgee's identity. It is a signal that Mudgee doesn't respect its culture, its heritage.

They've already decimated one heritage cinema; the Civic - now a soulless bottle shop. The profit of grog, then, is what Mudgee deems important.

They've over-spent millions of dollars constructing an epic stadium. Just this week council arranged emergency spending to repair the electronic scoreboard, because one counselor was "greatly embarrassed" when forced to keep his own score. Scoring football, then, is what Mudgee deems important.

The logic put forward by the Regent's new owner, and by the Property Shop, that they're somehow saviours of the building which would otherwise "sit there and decay" is misleading.

It denies better possibilities for our community, possibilities never given serious consideration by Council because, simply, they didn't want to. They didn't consider it important enough.

We have just one opportunity to save the Regent Theatre, or it will be lost to a fate worse than entropy, gutted and re-purposed into high-end apartments Mudgee doesn't need, for the profit of few. Council must reject the development proposal for the Regent Theatre, and push for full Heritage Listing.

If we allow this development to happen, we may save its face, but cost the 80-year-old her soul.

Along with an important part of Mudgee's identity with it.

Credit: Ben Lynch, Mudgee13

19 February 2015
Regent Theatre
Why patronise us by leaving the Regent's facade in place? Because that's all it will be - a facade, yet another cruel reminder of what we will have lost.

Just put up a small brass plaque as has been done at the Shell servo, where a tacky 60s servo now stands in place of what was Mudgee's grandest hotel.

Brass plaque, just like those you see at the cemetery.

Council claims it is uneconomic to restore the Regent to a point where it could be Mudgee's much needed theatre/cultural centre, with potential usage 365 days a year, by people of all ages.

The Glen Willow multi-million dollar grandstand is coming up to its third birthday. I believe it has been filled twice.

Credit: Graeme Cameron, Mudgee14

15 September 2015
Regent Theatre proposal goes to council
A development application for a $4.8 million redevelopment of Mudgee's Regent Theatre as apartments and commercial premises will be considered at Mid-Western Regional Council's meeting tonight.

The applicant, Seaview Links Pty Ltd, proposes to partially demolish the back of the Regent Theatre and develop 32 one- and two-bedroom units. The development will include four levels, with a commercial area on the first floor and two small retail or business premises with direct access to Church Street.

The proposal also includes a rooftop terrace and basement car parking.

The redevelopment would retain the facade, which is a dominant feature of Mudgee's commercial area. The foyer would also be retained and incorporated in the commercial premises, but the auditorium would be demolished.

A report to council states that the proposal to retain the foyer as part of the commercial spaces would allow the public to access a significant area which has been closed to the general public since the Regent Theatre closed in 2007.

A Statement of Heritage Impact prepared by local architect Barbara Hickson recommends that furniture, fixtures and fittings in the shops, foyer and dress circle be retained and conserved and that the projection equipment be donated to a museum.

Planning staff have commented that the proposed demolition of the auditorium will have an impact on the historical, aesthetic and social significance of the building.

"However, the reality of the theatre's future must be considered. The site has not been accessed by the general public or had a use since 2007.

"Therefore the significance of the site has not been appreciated. There is also the possibility of deterioration or vandalism if the building is left vacant for an extended period."

The report also notes that 'the proposal will result in three new commercial opportunities in the CBD to replace a previously unviable single use", while the small units will increase the variety of housing stock in the Mudgee area.

The application was originally lodged for 34 units but the number was reduced to reduce the bulk of the development. Mid-Western Regional Council planners have recommended that the proposal be further reduced to 30 to address a shortfall in parking.

A total of 37 carparking spaces would be provided at the back of the site.

Although residential development is prohibited in the Mudgee commercial core zone, the proposed units would be permissible with consent as 'shop top" housing.

Mid-Western Regional Council has received five submissions raising concerns including residential development in the commercial area; the effect on residents of noise from the Lawson Hotel and vice versa; the height and scale of the proposal; overshadowing of the PCYC; retention of heritage items; groundwater issues; and right of way to the proposed development.

The report to council recommends that the development be granted deferred commencement consent, subject to consent being obtained for a right of way over part of the Lawson Park Hotel property.

Credit: ROBYN MURRAY15

24 September 2015
Plan B proposed for The Regent Theatre
The owner of the Regent Theatre has asked for an alternate plan for the theatre's future, a Plan B.

May I suggest he sells the property to council for adaptation as a cinema/live theatre/gallery/youth centre/public meetings/concerts'endless possibilities.

Mudgee's cultural centre and right in its heart.

With community support, as has been done in other centres, together with its obvious tourist potential, the overall project could be a social and commercial success.

Obviously, we would need a willing council, one with vision, some courage and a genuine regard for the social, architectural and historic heritage fabric of the town.

In this regard, council might like to consider using experienced and independent professional consultants to quantify the cost of such adaptation of this beautiful landmark, rather than rely on the simplistic in-house estimation previously provided.

The current plan to effectively demolish the theatre and convert is to 30 flats and some commercial space represents a gross over- and inappropriate development.

This proposal was obviously predicated on the much hyped coal fuelled Mudgee boom; which has been little more than a squeak, resulting in an oversupply of residential property, both built and vacant land, together with a struggling commercial sector littered with vacant shops.

The current proposal will only exacerbate this situation.

I implore both parties to put the long-term interests of the town and its people (and tourists) first.

Credit: P. Simpson, Mudgee16

27 October 2015
Driveway the sticking point for Regent plan
Driveway access continues to dog the Regent Theatre development application with Mid-Western Regional Council deferring its decision a second time.

Councillor Peter Shelley lost a bid to have the decision rescinded, warning council that any deferral would be deemed a refusal and the applicant was within his rights to appeal to the Land and Environment Court.

"If it goes to the Land and Environment Court we will lose," he said.

'We've been there before and it's cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's as simple as that. I don't want to expose ratepayers to that cost."

Council staff recommended the development be approved as a deferred commencement, with no work to begin until consent was given for the right of way.

In an address to council last week, Regent owner Cameron Scott-Fell said he was in talks with the Lawson Hotel to establish an alternative entrance through Short Street via a vacant block, owned by the hotel.

In return for the use of the block during the construction phase the developer said a carpark would be constructed for the hotel.

"Our prime objective is to finish this deed with Lantern. It's a win win for them and us and provides access off Short Street and I think it's a better outcome for the development," Mr Scott-Fell told the meeting.

Tony Brown from the Lawson Park Hotel told the meeting that an arrangement was still some time away.

"I think the Lantern group, when the deed is completed may be in a position to support the DA but in its current state we do not support it," he said.

Mr Brown said while he was willing to negotiate, use of the current right of way was an "impossibility" that was dangerous to pedestrians and would cause the pub to lose its disabled and pram access.

Speaking against the rescission motion, mayor Des Kennedy said council should reserve its decision until an access arrangement is reached.

"I travel Church Street regularly. It is a gridlock now without a one- way, 12 foot wide lane going up beside the theatre. That was my concern with it from the start," Cr Kennedy said.

In the absence of councillor Lucy White, councillors voted four in favour and four against. The mayor's casting vote quashed the rescission motion.

Credit: ELLE WATSON17

2 December 2015
Projecting the future and preserving the past in plans to redevelop Mudgee's Art Deco theatre: There are mixed feelings in the community of Mudgee in central-west New South Wales about plans to turn the 1935 Regent Theatre into an apartment and office block, while retaining some of its memory-steeped period features.
In its heyday the imposing Art Deco Regent Theatre in Mudgee in central west New South Wales was the hub of community entertainment.

Even now, its paintwork is bright, the decorative light fittings and cornices are in good order and the massive film projectors upstairs in the projection room still work - although everything is full of dust because it's been closed since 2009.

Bill Suttor's family owned the building for nearly all its life. He said it was styled on Sydney's Regent Theatre and at one stage was the biggest in Australia and had the largest screen.

The farmer said he wished the new owners well in plans to redevelop it into an office and apartment block, but it would be sad for Mudgee.

Good-time memories of the Regent

Like many other Australian country cinemas that have closed, Mudgee's 1935 Regent is a treasure trove of local history and stories.

Bill Suttor and his wife ran the theatre in the 1980s and 90s but his family's connection started in 1937 when his grandfather bought it.

"It brings back a lot of memories; I had a lot of good times here," Mr Suttor said.

"We ran quite a few live shows in the finish. It was a break from the property."

Mr Suttor said he used his own tools to fix the few equipment breakdowns and said he had little trouble with patrons.

However, he did have a run-in with some bikies who were stealing the steel letters used on the cinema's billboard.

"I had a stock whip and went around the corner with it and let a couple of shots off with it and they disappeared rapidly.

"Unfortunately they got their sign. I won't say which gang it was, but they got the full name."

Mr Suttor said he's disappointed the Regent won't remain a theatre, but he takes a pragmatic approach.

"I think it'll be a loss for Mudgee but it has for some years now," he said.

"Unfortunately the council couldn't see their way to develop it or look into it at all.

"I wish the new developer well and I think keeping the foyers and the entrance downstairs will keep the image alive of being a theatre."

New owner's plans

The new Sydney-based co-owner of the Regent Theatre, Cameron Scott-Fell, who grew up in Mudgee and has rural property in the district, said he had a "passion" for the "lovely" building.

He said the purchase and redevelopment would cost more than $5 million and would be an adaptive re-use of the building.

"The agent I believe had a lot of interested parties go through it and none of them could make it stack up, including the Mid Western Council," Mr Scott-Fell said.

His plans involve keeping the front third of the building as publicly-accessible offices and shops and then creating private residential apartments in the rear two-thirds.

Mr Scott-Fell said he planned to install one of the cinema projectors in the building foyer, along with photographic displays as well as retain the ticket booth and murals in the old candy bar.

He said when the nearly 1,000 seat theatre was demolished, reproductions of the Art Deco screen surrounds would be placed on an exterior wall of the building and old seats would be given to the public.

A protest from a projectionist's daughter

Nicole Wootton's father, John, leased the Regent Theatre from the Suttors between 1974 and 1981 and while she was only two months old when he died, she's been told stories about his time.

"I often hear a lot of locals come up and say what a good time they had at the Regent Theatre," Ms Wootton said.

Her father also bought second-hand Super Zenith 450 Projectors and installed them in the Regent's projection room, so the place evokes a picture of her father in his candy bar habit.

"There's was always a block of fruit and nut chocolate. He really loved his time up in the projection room."

Ms Wootton wrote to the council against the development application and argued the building should be retained as a performance space because Mudgee needed something of that size.

"I was always here with school events growing up in the town," she said.

"I just feel it's a shame that part of this could not be preserved for that purpose."

Ms Wootton said she would like the community to be able to still walk into the building and get a feel for the past.

"There's just such a beautiful, grand feeling about this space," she said18 .

2017

10 January 2017
What's next for the Regent renovation?
Mudgee's Regent Theatre opened on August 30, 1935 with 926 seats and fifty-eight years later was designated a historic building and was entered on the National Trust Register.

In 2009 the doors were closed for the last time, and now eighty-two years after opening the once great cinema stands empty on Church Street.

Although many plans have crossed the table about the future of the historic building, no forward-moving ideas have come of the discussions, and the question remains - what venture will bring life into the halls of the Regent once more?

There has been a few suggestions, and the closest an idea came was when the current Theatre owner, Cameron Scott-Fell, put into motion the idea of turning the lot into an apartment block with thirty units, keeping the front heritage wall in place with the renovation.

This plan would have cost over $1 million, and was approved by the Mid-Western Regional Council as long as the Lawson Park Hotel agreed to the use of a driveway on their lot.

Mr. Scott-Fell believes this may not be the best option going forward however.

"We spoke about an apartment complex out the back of the theatre, keeping the front historic part intact, but discussions may move on from that depending on where we go next."

Tony Brown, licensee and owner of the Lawson Park Hotel next door, was brought into the debate through the driveway discussions, and signed off on a laneway swap agreement.

"I think that the theatre has to be developed sooner rather than later, but the heritage side of it has to be kept intact because it's a beautiful building," Mr. Brown said.

"We agreed on the use of the driveway through some plans, but the original plans were never going to work, and I think that short term accommodation is a definite goer there - motel style."

"In my opinion that's the perfect solution to what should be in that space. Nothing else really works there without the council."

Property owner Cameron Scott-Fell is not so sure that a definite plan is in place at the moment however.

"There's a lot of things that have to be ironed out before we have anything firm in place," he said.

"It took a lot longer than we thought for the application process through council, so we understand that whatever we do is going to take time, so there's no rush."

"If we were rushing into it we'd get caught up and slowed down again by those processes so we just want to look at it and make an educated decision before we go anywhere19 ."

10 November 2017
Roll credits on Regent as a theatre?
A development application to turn Mudgee's Regent Theatre into a hotel is currently on exhibition at Mid-Western Regional Council.

The proposal is for the partial demolition of the existing building, retaining the facade, entry foyer and side walls.

To turn the site into an 84-room, five-storey hotel, with roof-top bar and function area over the first and second floors.

A 33-space carpark is proposed at the rear of the site connecting to Short Street, running parallel to Church Street, which will require the demolition of the house located at 33 Short Street.

In their overview, applicant Mod Urban Pty Ltd said, "the proposed new hotel use will meet the existing shortfall of accommodation within the surrounding region. The hotel and its ancillary uses, including function area and roof-top bar, will provide facilities that are currently in demand in Mudgee all within the one commercial space and which is capable of being used as a small or large function space".

The art-deco building was opened in 1935 and last used as a theatre in 2009, but didn't screen movies for several years prior to that.

The project would require an exemption to the development standard for maximum height of 8.5 metres for the new rear portion of the building.

The proposal is for a height of 16.282m, which is 7.7782m over and an increase of 91 per cent, but the case is made in the application that much of the existing building is already over the 8.5m20 .

14 November 2017
Regent Theatre development application
development application (DA) to turn Mudgee's Regent Theatre into a hotel is currently on exhibition at Council.

For the Regent to be competitive with other cinemas and receive the brand new release movies it has to have more than one screen, have the movie shown a certain amount of times a day and have enough bums on seats for each showing. That's great for school holidays and weekends but these big companies require you to be making them money. I love this building don't get me wrong it's hugely sentimental to me I got married inside of it but let's be realistic it cannot stay how it is right now, it's deteriorating, be thankful that someone has brought it and is going to turn into something that not only accommodates Mudgee's forever growing tourism industry (which creates jobs) but is also turning it into a function area and bar so we can all enjoy it.

For all those whining that there's nothing to do how about you turn your negativity into something productive and put a business plan together and open your own business I'm sure we'd all support it.

Tammy Robertson

The simple fact remains that as the agent handling the original sale some years ago for the Suttor family, I wrote to hundreds of theatre owners in Australia about its pending sale. The effort was futile due to changes in the industry with competition from companies such as Netflix.

I approached Council about acquiring the property for a theatre/ library /tourist office or art gallery. Other residents also implored Council buy the building at the time. The Council discounted the proposal and went on to spend rate payers money renovating the old Town Hall as a library and theatre. They even stated in media that it would cost ratepayers up to $4,000,000 to renovate. Fact! Perhaps that was justification in proceeding to go with the Town Hall site.

So now after years of sitting vacant the property is to be utilised for tourism. I am not involved in any way with the sale or DA on the property. Quite frankly I simply don't have any objection as an adjoining owner to it's use after many years of me personally trying to retain it as a theatre. If you want to lay blame for The Regent not having been utilised for a theatre or similar for utilisation by the community you can lay blame fairly and squarely at only one organisation. It's far too late people. You had the opportunity years ago to lobby them!

Hugh Bateman

CREDIT: Honor Elliott21

17 November 2017
‘The horse has bolted’ on a campaign to save the Regent
Mudgee businessman Hugh Bateman believes a group trying to stop a hotel being built on the Regent Theatre site need to accept the "the horse has bolted".

The Facebook group Revive The Regent Theatre has more than 1000 members and opposing a development application for a five-storey, 84 room hotel.

They believe there is still an opportunity to retain the building as a cultural centre, possibly incorporating a theatre, art gallery and other facilities.

However Mr Bateman said there had been repeated attempts in the last 10 years to restore the theatre to its former glory, but it was found to be impossible to make it financially viable.

Administrator of the Revive the Regent Facebook group, Simone Sheridan, said she couldn't bare the thought of history and heritage of the theatre being lost and that was what had motivated her to start the movement.

She said interest in the group had grown in recent weeks, especially since the plans for the hotel had been revealed, and she felt an obligation to do something.

She welcomed a decision by the Mid-Western Regional Council to extend submissions on the DA from November 17 to December 1 because of public interest.

"We are just trying to make the community aware that this development application is there and advising them to have their say on it," she said.

Ms Sheridan said Mudgee lacked cultural facilities and felt a revamped theatre would help keep young people in the town and even lure others like herself back.

"The point of this group is to bring people together to discuss the opportunities," she said.

"It's not that we are opposed to hotels, I'm passionate about economic development and small business, but there are other locations.

"People might say I don't even live in Mudgee but that's because there are no job opportunities there for me but if we could make this happen, it would bring people back."

Ms Sheridan said she felt too much focus was on the viability of a cinema. She said getting the building identified as heritage-listed accessing state government grants was one option.

Using the venue for weddings, as had previously occurred, was another potential money spinner.

Mr Bateman said the reality was the building had been sold and the hotel should go ahead as long as it met regulations.

The businessman said he was frustrated people had accused him of not doing everything he could to see it restored.

He said it had been sold three times since ceasing to operate as a cinema in 2006 and when he acted as agent in 2007 and 2014, significant effort was put into finding buyers who would make it work.

"It just wasn't a viable venture. We sent emails and letters to all the possible theatre owners across Australia, we approached council staff, the general manager at the time and the mayor at the time," Mr Bateman said.

Council had the chance to purchase the property at good prices in both 2007 and 2014, Mr Bateman said, but declined and instead chose to to redevelop the town hall and include a cinema there.

Part of the reason council dismissed the idea of renovating the Regent was because they estimated it would cost $4.7 million to renovate it.

"I was really keen from a cultural point of view, to see it become a cultural centre. I thought it could have been used as an art gallery, library and even as a tourist office," he said.

Mr Bateman said he even looked at purchasing the building himself and restoring it to keep its heritage value but couldn't find a way to make it work.

He said it was time to accept that a hotel would be a vast improvement on what was there.

"I am encouraged by people's enthusiasm but the horse has bolted. If the building was for sale this would be a good campaign but that building has sat vacant for 10 years, been sold three times and nothing has happened," he said.

"Now someone owns it and they have a plan. It's a matter of council examining the DA and if it complies with the current regulations, council can't knock it back."

Ms Sheridan said she felt there must be somebody out there who had the money and the appreciation of the art deco building, who would consider doing it up.

"We have a network of 1000 people who are really passionate about this project and we would be willing to work together to help find someone who would buy it," she said.

CREDIT: Mark Rayner22

21 November 2017
Regent Theatre developer sympathetic to community’s desire
Significant effort and investment has gone into ensuring some of the most important features of the Regent Theatre will remain if a hotel is built on the site, the director of a company behind the development said.

The Blue Douglas director Chris Mathews said it was important that the feel of the theatre was incorporated into the 84-room hotel, which is seeking a development application from Mid-Western Regional Council.

He said he understood the community had a great love for the Regent Theatre and that is why so much work had gone into retaining the important aspects.

There has been significant resistance from sections of the community who want to see the building used as a theatre or cultural centre.

Mr Mathews said the front facade and side walls would be retained, while inside the foyer, grand staircases and upstairs entertainment area would all be kept.

The heritage of the theatre would be a running theme, he said, with all memorabilia including the ticket booth, either retained for display or donated to local groups.

"We're very sympathetic to people who want to keep the theatre but it's just not possible. I would have loved to see it stay as a theatre but in the age of Netflix it couldn't be done," he said.

"I personally think this is the second best alternative and we will keep as much of the theatre as we can."

Mr Mathews said the plan was to offer more than a regular hotel, with a function centre offering facilities for weddings and other gatherings, as well as a rooftop bar.

Other motels and accommodation operators in Mudgee are opposed to the proposal, with one motel owner arguing the development would drain guests from existing businesses, rather than attracting new ones.

Winning Post Motor Inn owner Greg Dowker declined to talk in his role as Mudgee Chamber of Commerce president, but said as a hotelier he had issues with such a large hotel being built.

He said while there was a perception that Mudgee was often fully booked, he said there were only two regular events where accommodation in the area was filled.

"One is the Small Farm Field Days and the other is any time there is A Day On Green concert. People say weekends are busy but Fridays are hard to fill and you can't rely on one night a week to run your business," he said.

"Mudgee already has good hotels and a diverse range of room standards for accommodation.

"If this development is approved, you will have hotels that aren't doing so well and then they will stop spending money, and then you get bad hotels."

Mr Dowker said said there were other problems with the DA including the height of the building and a shortage of car parking spaces.

Mod Urban director Matthew O'Donnell has been hired as a consultant for the developer and said they were confident they had addressed the concerns to meet council approval.

The proposed height of 16.2 metres was 91 per cent higher than allowed under the Mudgee Local Environmental Plan but the existing theatre was already significantly higher.

A previous development application for a 34-unit apartment complex with a height of 15.4 metres was also approved, Mr O'Donnell said.

When it came to parking, standard motel requirements include one car space per room and two for

Public submission for the development application will be open until December 1.

CREDIT: Mark Rayner23

27 November 2017
Regent Theatre developers are ‘open’ to selling property
The organiser of a community group aiming to stop Mudgee's Regent Theatre from being turned into a motel said the developers are open to selling the property.

A development application for an 84-room hotel at the site of the Regent Theatre is being considered by council and the Revive the Regent Theatre Mudgee NSW facebook page have been vocally opposed.

However page administrator Simone Sheridan has also been in contact with developer Chris Matthews to discuss their opposing views.

Ms Sheridan said during her discussions with Mr Matthews, she asked if he would be open to selling the property and he said he would.

"I asked if the owner would be open to selling and he has indicated he is willing," Ms Sheridan said.

The Mudgee Guardian approached Mr Matthews, who confirmed the conversation took place. He said while his first preference is still to get the DA approved and build the hotel, he wouldn't rule out selling.

However Mr Matthews said it was more of a case of keeping options open rather than looking to sell.

Ms Sheridan said it was a boost for the group, who have also started a petition opposing the DA to build the hotel.

They are aiming to collect as many signatures as possible to present to council before before December 1.

The petition is to lobby council to hire an independent report on the DA, extend the submission period further, and ultimately reject the DA.

Ms Sheridan said there was strong commitment within the group to their cause.

"The petition is being driven by Bob Lamond, who is on the ground in Mudgee and knows all the history, and he has been tracking it for a long time," she said.

"The majority of the group feel that council needs to extend the submissions for those people who don't use the internet and haven't been able to see the DA yet.

The Revive The Regent group has grown to 1400 members and Ms Sheridan said there had been 5800 comments, likes and shares in less than a month.

"It's been very busy moderating it all but it shows the passion there is. A lot of people have said it can't be done, it's not possible but we are all about testing ideas," she said.

A Mid-Western Regional Council spokeswoman said the deadline had been extended to give the public an opportunity to respond, and said it was not unusual to extend submissions if there was interest in a particular issue.

The Council also restated their reasons for not purchasing the Regent Theatre when it was previously for sale.

"Following a report in 2012, council determined the purchase and restoration of the Regent Theatre to a functional cinema and live performance venue was not feasible due to the significant capital and ongoing operational costs involved," the spokeswoman said.

A poll conducted by the Mudgee Guardian asking if they liked the idea of a hotel on the Regent Theatre site attracted a largely negative result with 304 respondents, or 74 per cent, saying no, while 106 people, or 26 per cent, said they would like to see it built.

CREDIT: Mark Rayner24

27 November 2017
National Trust opposes ‘demolition’ of Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is of state heritage significance, the National Trust of Australia has said in a submission to Mid-Western Regional Council.

The Trust has voiced its objection to development application before council to turn it into an 84-room hotel.

In a detailed letter which explores the history of the theatre and also mentions other examples of theatres that have been restored and preserved, the Trust said it was opposed to the demolition of any part of the Regent.

The Regent was listed on the National Trust Register in September 1993 after an extensive inspection of the theatre and consultation with the then-owners.

"It would be extraordinary if Mudgee, which depends so much on tourism, were to lose such a significant historic theatre when so many other towns in NSW have kept their theatres,"

the letter, signed by the Trust's director of advocacy Graham Quint.

Mudgee historian John Broadley recently revealed on the Revive the Regent Theatre facebook page that noted cinema architect George Newton Kenworthy had designed the Regent.

The Regent is one of just two of Mr Kenworthy's cinemas still in existence, which would make it of state heritage significance.

The Trust also listed 24 examples of theatres that were "landmark buildings" and "tourism icons" for their communities.

"The common heritage thread which applies to all the theatres listed is that they continue to be a much loved community entertainment facility and a vital drawcard for tourism," Mr Quint said.

"That unbroken 82-year history would be broken with the demolition proposed for the future.

CREDIT: Mark Rayner25

2018

13 February 2018
Regent DA plans changed
Revised plans for the Regent Theatre development will be on public exhibition from this week.

Mid-Western Regional Council has advised the developer has received an update to the application - to development the historical Church Street building into a hotel and function centre.

A Council spokesperson explained the changes were 'in response to the Council's Further Information Request'.

The initial development application was for the partial demolition of the existing building for an 84-room, five storey hotel, roof-top bar and 33-space carpark.

The amended plans will be notified to neighbours, advertised in the Mudgee Guardian on Friday, February 16 and made publicly available on Council's website at midwestern.nsw.gov.au from Friday.

Simone Sheridan, founder of the Revive the Regent Facebook group, wrote a letter to Council expressing her concerns after finding out about the DA change on social media.

"I'm glad they Council have shared when the plans will be made public, we just want to learn things as they happen," Simone said.

Members of Revive the Regent uncovered the changes on a newly created Facebook group titled 'The Regent Theatre Refurbishment'.

"We're disappointed to learn about the changes online, rather than directly via Council or via Public Notice," she said.

"We're all really invested now, we have a lot of people following this very closely, so we were very shocked to see that there have been changes and they were published online.

"But when you go to Council's website, the DA is still the same as the original proposal."

READ MORE:

The information on The Regent Theatre Refurbishment page indicates the proposal will be reduced from 84-rooms to 64-rooms and from 33 car spaces up to 74 car spaces, Simone explained.

"Now that there have been obvious changes, they are obviously in response to our group being quite vocal," she said.

"I feel it's actually really exciting, it means that our campaign has made some traction and the developer has seen that the community doesn't want the DA that was lodged in September."

The art-deco building was opened in 1935 and last used as a theatre in 2009, but didn't screen movies for several years prior to that.

The Revive the Regent group has maintained the building should be used as a community space, with Simone previously telling the Mudgee Guardian, she "couldn't bare the thought of history and heritage of the theatre being lost and that was what had motivated her to start the movement."

In November, the developer Chris Matthews told the Mudgee Guardian his first preference is to get the DA approved and build the hotel, but wouldn't rule out selling.

Due to the development application changes, the proposal will not be considered by Council at the February meeting as previously planned.

The amended plans will be reviewed by Council's planning department as part of the development assessment process and a report will be provided to Council for determination at a future Council meeting.

"We have two weeks to read the changes and do it all again," Simone said.

"We're not giving up."

CREDIT: Honor Elliott26

16 February 2018
Regent Rethink
The revised development application for the Regent Theatre is set to go on public exhibition today, with the proposed hotel set to go back a floor and more parking added.

The newly created Facebook group, 'The Regent Theatre Refurbishment', posted that the hotel will be four-storey, not any higher than it already is, with 60 rooms and 70 car spaces, "with the structural integrity of the building being intact".

A reduction in the original proposal for 84 rooms across five floors, with just a 33-space carpark.

The carpark proposed at the rear of the site connecting to Short Street, running parallel to Church Street, will require the demolition of the house located at 33 Short Street.

The function area and restaurant is still being touted as the highlight of the redevelopment, targeting the wedding market.

The update to the application means that it has been removed from the agenda for the February Council meeting.

A report will be provided for determination at a future meeting.

The amended plans will be notified to neighbours and made publicly available on Council's website at midwestern.nsw.gov.au from Friday.

Written comments must be addressed to the General Manager and received prior to 4.30pm on Friday, March 2, 2018.27

17 July 2018
Regent Theatre report at Council
Proposed changes to the Regent Theatre will be discussed by council's next regular meeting on Wednesday, July 18.

The proposed development is for a partial demolition of the Regent Theatre, demolition of dwelling and the erection of a 62 room hotel, function centre, food and drink premises and car parks all at an estimated development cost of $13 million, according to the report.

Amended plans were received by Council in February this year after a further information request was made following earlier applications. Owing to the extent of the changes, the application was re-notified for a period of two weeks, starting in February. During this period, 108 written submissions were received - 6 in support - and a further petition containing 592 signatures, along with an electronic submission with 2,125 submissions objecting to the development.

Following the exhibition period, the applicant provided an additional traffic study detailing the off peak parking availability in relation to the ancillary uses associated with the Hotel.28

20 July 2018
Council dismisses Regent Theatre DA
Mid-Western Regional Council rejected the development application for Mudgee's Regent Theatre to be partially demolished to make way for a 62-room hotel, function centre, and food and drink premises.

Councillor Russell Holden moved that they refuse the DA due to a number of reasons.

One reason was insufficient parking provided to cater for the expected demand of the hotel and its guests and consent had not been provided by a legally authorised representative of the Anglican Property Trust Diocese of Bathurst for the proposed hotel to add additional parking at the St John's Anglican Church site.

Councillor Alex Karavas moved an amendment to re-schedule the application until the next meeting on August 15, so that consent could be sought from the Anglican Diocese. This motion was lost four-four, with the Deputy Mayor's casting vote deciding the outcome.

Cr Holden also put forward that the development would have negative impacts on a locally listed heritage item and heritage conservation area, adverse visual impacts due to the bulk and scale of the development, adverse amenity impacts due to noise of car parking and rooftop bar and a proposed height inconsistent with height limits in the Mid-Western LEP.

The motion was carried by five votes to three with Councillors Martens, Thompson, Cavalier, Paine and Holden voting in favour.

Councillors Shelley, Karavas and O'Neill voted against it.

Mayor Des Kennedy declared a pecuniary conflict of interest in the item as he conducted a competing hotel/accommodation business. He left the Chambers and did not participate in discussion or vote in relation to this matter29 .

21 July 2018
Council rejects Regent Theatre development
Mid-Western Regional Council rejected the development application for Mudgee's Regent Theatre to be partially demolished to make way for a 62-room hotel, function centre, and food and drink premises.

Councillor Russell Holden moved that they refuse the DA due to a number of reasons.

One reason was insufficient parking provided to cater for the expected demand of the hotel and its guests and consent had not been provided by a legally authorised representative of the Anglican Property Trust Diocese of Bathurst for the proposed hotel to add additional parking at the St John's Anglican Church site.

Councillor Alex Karavas moved an amendment to re-schedule the application until the next meeting on August 15, so that consent could be sought from the Anglican Diocese. This motion was lost four-four, with the Deputy Mayor's casting vote deciding the outcome.

Cr Holden also put forward that the development would have negative impacts on a locally listed heritage item and heritage conservation area, adverse visual impacts due to the bulk and scale of the development, adverse amenity impacts due to noise of car parking and rooftop bar and a proposed height inconsistent with height limits in the Mid-Western LEP.

The motion was carried by five votes to three with Councillors Martens, Thompson, Cavalier, Paine and Holden voting in favour.

Councillors Shelley, Karavas and O'Neill voted against it.

Mayor Des Kennedy declared a pecuniary conflict of interest in the item as he conducted a competing hotel/accommodation business. He left the Chambers and did not participate in discussion or vote in relation to this matter.30

2019

27 February 2019
Interim Heritage Order stop Regent Theatre development in its tracks
An announcement from Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant's office says an Interim Heritage Order (IHO) has been approved for Mudgee's Regent Theatre.

An IHO is sometimes put in place as a preventative measure which means that any development on the building has been frozen until such time as the assessment is completed by the Heritage Council of NSW.

Sometimes requests for an IHO are made by members of the public but it's unclear at this time who made the request.

In a press release, Mr Grant said the IHO had been approved by the Minister for Heritage Gabrielle Upton and would allow time for a full assessment of the theatre's heritage value.

"The Regent Theatre has been a cornerstone of Mudgee's social life for more than 80 years," he said.

"This IHO will give us breathing space to consider what this building brings to the heritage of not only Mudgee, but of all NSW,"

"With its distinctive art deco style and murals from the 1940's, the Regent Theatre is considered likely to be a rare surviving example of the more typical cinemas which dominated early twentieth century culture throughout NSW,"

"The granting of the IHO means any development will now also need approval from the Heritage Council of NSW under the Heritage Act of NSW. The Theatre has also been nominated by the National Trust for State Heritage Listing and this assessment will occur while the IHO is in place."

According to the release, the IHO will be in place for 12 months.

CREDIT: Benjamin Palmer31

1 March 2019
Order issued for Regent
An announcement from Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant's office says an Interim Heritage Order (IHO) has been approved for Mudgee's Regent Theatre.

An IHO is sometimes put in place as a preventative measure which means that any development on the building has been frozen until such time as the assessment is completed by the Heritage Council of NSW.

Sometimes requests for an IHO are made by members of the public but it's unclear at this time who made the request. In a press release, Mr Grant said the IHO had been approved by the Minister for Heritage Gabrielle Upton and would allow time for a full assessment of the Theatre's heritage value.

"The Regent Theatre has been a cornerstone of Mudgee's social life for more than 80 years," he said. "This IHO will give us breathing space to consider what this building brings to the heritage of not only Mudgee, but of all NSW,"

"With its distinctive art deco style and murals from the 1940's, the Regent Theatre is considered likely to be a rare surviving example of the more typical cinemas which dominated early twentieth century culture throughout NSW,"

"The granting of the IHO means any development will now also need approval from the Heritage Council of NSW under the Heritage Act of NSW. The Theatre has also been nominated by the National Trust for State Heritage Listing and this assessment will occur while the IHO is in place."

According to the release, the IHO will be in place for 12 months. Reaction on social media has been mixed.

One comment from Lynn Campbell stated her views on the order.

"Pretty crap outcome, how long will the building sit there empty until it's vandalised? I grew up in a similar size town with a similar theatre. It shut down, got vandalised and eventually raised to the ground. It was also called the Regal and is now Regal Court old folks home and nothing like the old picture house," she said.

"At least the current owners of the building in Mudgee were trying to do something with it and keep the frontage intact,"

CREDIT: Benjamin Palmer32

29 March 2019
Regent Theatre 'Revivers' to meet up in Mudgee
The Regent Theatre is arguably one of the most divisive buildings in the entire Mudgee region and one woman's campaign to 'revive' the building has attracted plenty of supporters.

Simone Sheridan, who was born in Mudgee but currently lives in Sydney has been the face of the 'Revive the Regent' movement after a Facebook group was created in 2017 following her success in saving the famous Victoria theatre in Newcastle.

Simone says her success in Newcastle gave her the confidence to believe she could do the same for the Regent.

"I'd watched it sit for a long time like everybody else and was very upset with that. So that gave me confidence I guess to start this group and it's grown from there, that was even before the hotel was proposed but I still had hope that maybe other people had cared as much as I did," Simone said.

Previous stories about the Regent Theatre

"I'd see them commenting on various community posts when the issue arose of what was happening over the years and yeah I'm really happy with the response from people. It goes to show that they're out there, we just maybe didn't have a tool to bring us together,"

Simone says she understands why the building makes people so passionate.

"It's such an important part of our social history and I think having it sit there is like a big dark cloud for a lot of people and they'd rather see something happen than nothing which is quite sad really," she said.

"It means that because Mudgee's been deprived of this venue and this cultural programming, people have actually forgotten the potential and so they think 'it can't be done because it hasn't been done' but I really strongly refute that,"

"I've spoken to the previous owners that agree that yes, a cinema solely wouldn't work there - we absolutely agree with that - and we believe that a mix of programming between live shows, things like TED talks, comedy, local theatre, dance groups, schools would work."

Simone has been in contact with the current owner of the building and says she knows that while they disagree on a lot of things, they both want to see the Regent succeed.

Listen to the creator of the Nugget talk about making the movie in Mudgee and the Regent Theatre

"We've been in conversation with the owner for about two weeks and we've managed to gain access via a local who's actually been checking on it there regularly. We've managed to repair the doors at the rear entry that were busted into," Simone said.

"One of things we want to do is create less headaches for this person so that we can actually do right by the building while it's under this interim heritage order."

An interim heritage order (IHO) was issued in late February which means options are limited or stopped completely for further development on the building until the assessment is completed by the Heritage Council of NSW.

Simone is holding an open day at the Uniting Church Hall on Saturday, April 6. She hopes supporters and 'revivers' will turn up to show their support.

"I think the main thing we need to do as a group is show that we do care enough and there are enough people now - not just in Mudgee but a wider circle of people that are watching this theatre."

When asked what she would say to people that stress it's a privately owned building Simone wasn't phased.

"That's where the government doesn't think that and they are allowed to list it on the state heritage register is it has value so you know, when we're starting to talk about objects of heritage value in NSW it does become a little bit bigger than the private owner," she said.

"Unfortunately that's something that perhaps the property owners didn't know about the building."

Simone hopes to rally more support around the Regent and maintaining its heritage.

"There's a lot of negativity out there, I need some of that positivity that I know is there to be shared33 ."

22 August 2019
Modified Regent Theatre DA goes on exhibition
A modified development application (DA) for the Regent Theatre has been put on public exhibition.

A 139 page document can be viewed at Council's website or at the Mid-Western Regional Council chambers and details a markedly different development than initially submitted in 2017.

The new development - if approved in its current form - would turn the Regent Theatre space along with the adjoining space at 33 Short Street into two connected but distinct buildings.

The ground floor of the Regent Theatre space would serve dual purpose as a theatre auditorium and a function area with a 'provision of ancillary uses within the theatre entry foyer for a cafe and at the the rear of the theatre a kitchen (for function use) and backstage area of the theatre.'

The Church Street function area and cafe/theatre space would be open to the public.

Alteration works and upgrades to the Regent building would maintain the building facade, entry foyer and fittings.

The 33 Short Street space would be turned into the bulk of a 34 room hotel over multiple storeys with 39 planned parking spaces.

Hotel parking and access would be from Short Street. The remaining rear area of the Regent Theatre would make up the rest part of the hotel.

The hotel is set to function 24-hours a day while the function centre could function from 7am to midnight, seven days a week if needed.

The DA describes that the two buildings would be connected, 'but at the same time read as a separate building.'

The plans for each of the floors as listed in the document:

Ground floor

Hotel reception; Cafe; Function/theatre floor area; WCs (toilets); Stage and backstage area; Kitchen; Loading dock; Car parking; Garbage storage First floor

17 hotel suites; Three hotel suites; Theatre Green Room; Back of house and storage Second floor

Four hotel suites; Seven hotel rooms; Hotel back of house; Hotel store room; Theatre store room; Maid's rooms Third floor

Back of house for hotel; Storage; Three hotel suites These changes are said to revive the Regent Theatre space, bringing life 'back to the lobby and theatre auditorium of the building'.

A section titled 'Public Interest' elaborates on the idea of a rejuvenated space that would retain the dominant features of the building and facade while solving accommodation needs in the region.

The proposal is in the public interest as it provides upgrades to existing theatre building and provides additional accommodation to Mudgee where there is a demonstrated demand, and will not impact upon the streetscape character and not result in detrimental amenity impacts to neighbours.

The proposal does not involve or result in the expansion of business-related land uses into surrounding residential neighbourhoods. The proposal will result in three new commercial ops in the CBD to replace a previously unviable single use that has remained vacant for an extended period of time.

The proposal will retain the front facade of the theatre and many internal features, which is considered to be a dominant feature of the architectural historic character of the Mudgee commercial streetscape. This retention is in line with the heritage impact statement provided with the application, and is supported by the applicant's heritage consultant.

Noise concerns were raised with the 2017 DA regarding the proposed rooftop bar, car park and 'car stacker'. However the revised proposal solves each of these issues by scrapping the rooftop bar, underground car park and car stacker from the plan.

The Mudgee Guardian put the call out on social media for thoughts from community members who had seen the DA and whether they support or oppose the modifications.

Revive the Regent creator, Simone Sheridan said she holds concerns over several elements of the modified DA.

"The current proposal does not meet the objectives for heritage conservation under Clause 5.10 of the Mid-Western Regional LEP 2012 which are:

(a) to conserve the environmental heritage of Mid-Western Regional, and

(b) to conserve the heritage significance of heritage items and heritage conservation areas, including associated fabric, settings and views," she wrote.

"Of huge concern is also the rezoning of residential area to commercial. The house in Short street should not be demolished and rezoned for commercial use.

"The removal of the stage renders the theatre useless in terms of producing quality shows. The proposed replaced stage is dismal in comparison to what is already there."

"Better than it rotting away and falling down," Laura Kenny wrote.

In a lengthy comment, Charmaine Lynch expressed her opposition to the DA.

"The 'amended DA' on the Regent theatre is giving the illusion to the people of Mudgee that the developer is being sympathetic to the building and its history but that is all it is an "illusion"," she wrote.

"They're simply destroying the main aspect of the theatre by levelling the floor, turning the stage (the heart of the theatre and what its all about) into a kitchen and storeroom."

The document is on public exhibition until August 30 and anyone is free to submit their feedback to Council until that time for consideration.

CREDIT: Benjamin Palmer34

3 December 2019
Court hears case
A group of approximately three-dozen Mudgee residents collected on the steps of the Mudgee Regent Theatre to take part in a public hearing conducted by members of the NSW Land and Environment Court.

The case pertains to an 'appeal matter against a DA refusal', with a section of the Mudgee community fiercely opposed to a proposal by the building's owner and hope to get the building listed on the Heritage Register.

The development - if approved in its current form - would turn the Regent Theatre space along with the adjoining space at 33 Short Street into two connected but distinct buildings.

The ground floor of the Regent Theatre space would serve dual purpose as a theatre auditorium and a function area with a 'provision of ancillary uses within the theatre entry foyer for a cafe and at the the rear of the theatre a kitchen (for function use) and backstage area of the theatre.'

The modified DA was put on exhibition in August this year.

One of the speakers at the hearing outside the theatre was Chair of the Gulgong, Mudgee, Rylstone Branch of the National Trust of Australia, John Bentley who shared his thoughts on the Development Application for the Regent building.

"It is well-known that the Regent Theatre is architecturally of great significance. The evidence for this does not need to be re-canvassed," Mr Bentley said.

"All the critical elements within the theatre which combine to provide that significance are still intact, or redeemable

"The theatre's integrity is of social and cultural significance within this community, and it increasingly being seen as such in wider circles."

Following this, a public hearing was held at Mudgee Courthouse.

The owner of the Regent Theatre has been contacted for comment.

CREDIT: Benjamin Palmer35

2020

11 January 2020
The Regent Theatre is going up for auction
The controversy-plagued Regent Theatre in Mudgee will be sold at auction on Friday 21 February by The Property Shop.

The Property Shop have been appointed selling agents for the building at 5-7 Church Street.

Director at The Property Shop, Andrew Palmer confirmed to the Mudgee Guardian that the historic building will go under the hammer after the building was repossessed by Sydney law firm Summer Lawyers in 2019.

"The Mudgee Regent is a prominent and iconic example of 20th Century Art Deco architecture at the northern gateway to the Mudgee CBD. We are expecting the Regent to attract a lot attention both locally and further afield," Andrew said.

2018: Revive the Regent renews push to 'save' historic Mudgee theatre Opinion: Now showing at the Regent: Something...anything? A controversial development application (DA) lodged in 2018 proposed turning the building into a multi-use facility which included accommodation, function centre and bar.

This proposal was knocked back by Council.

The developer had previously intended to fight the decision in the Land and Environment Court (LEC), but the application was withdrawn.

The building could also be placed on the State Heritage Register after the State Heritage Register Committee of the Heritage Council of NSW at its meeting on 5 November 2019 resolved to advise the Special Minister for State, the Hon Don Harwin MLC, that the Regent Theatre is of state heritage significance, and to recommend its listing on the State Heritage Register under the NSW Heritage Act 1977.

For more information you can contact Andrew Palmer at The Property Shop in Mudgee.

Listen: The Mudgee Podcast: Memories of the Regent with Tyrolin Puxty For more Regent Theatre news, sign up for our free newsletter

CREDIT: Benjamin Palmer36

22 January 2020
The Regent Theatre - more than just a theatre
The much loved Regent Theatre evokes a passion amongst the community, it's driven some of us to protest its recent development application and it's divided a town in some respects about the future plans for the grand old dame.

One thing we can't be is narrow minded in the approach or shape the future of the theatre - the usual "it will never survive as a theatre" - who ever purchases the theatre needs to take a fresh approach with the theatre and map out a plan for maximising its usage without losing its charm.

If I had the money to buy the theatre, I would buy it in a heartbeat - the marketer side of my experience tells me that it can be used a multi-purpose venue - live bands, theatre shows, concerts, weddings and of course the movies. The maternal side of me tells me - create something to take my family to or encourage families to have a great time at the movies - grab the popcorn, the choc top & the biggest drink you can to wash it all down with, sit back and enjoy a movie.

I've been interviewed about Mudgee on the ABC 702 Night Program - one was about a Sydney-sider escaping to the country, I was positioned with Andrew Mercado who had done the escape and bought the old theatre at South West Rocks - immediately I wanted to be Andrew and run a theatre! I could see how after a bit of hard work and support, we could make the grand old dame sing again and be a centre to bring locals together and of course the tourists.

I also recorded a podcast for this very paper and we started talking about "what gets on my goat" and one was the need for a venue to bring acts to that could perform and I referenced the old theatre in Lambton in Newcastle, Lizotte's where music and good dining combine to be an epic night out!

The economic benefit to a town with an ability to bring good quality acts can't be under estimated - people will travel to see their favourite entertainment in a unique setting.

A good act appearing at a venue brings people from everywhere - we travelled four hours to get to Lizotte's in Newcastle to see our favourite band. The economic benefits to the rest of the town also plays a part.

Don't get me wrong it's not about being nostalgic and trying to recreate your childhood - it's about retaining the legacy of the theatre and the streetscape of Mudgee's appeal within a profitable business.

So whilst I can't put my money where my mouth is, I can put my opinion forward and hope that the successful bidder has a similar vision or dreams big for the grand old dame to be revived again.

What do you think? Send your opinion to the Mudgee Guardian

CREDIT: Rochelle McDonald37

28 January 2020
Regent Theatre purchase possible
Mid-Western Regional Council has announced that an extraordinary meeting will take place on Friday, January 31.

The purpose of the meeting is to - in Council's own words - 'Investigate the purchase of the Regent Theatre building.'

There will be a public forum at 2pm and the meeting will commence at the conclusion of the public forum.

Council says members of the public may speak at the Public Forum, which is to be held at 2.00pm immediately preceding the Council Meeting.

In accordance with Council's Code of Meeting Practice, two speakers for and two speakers against the subject matter can be given five minutes each to address the Council.

The Regent Theatre is set to be sold at auction on Friday, March 6 after the building was repossessed by Sydney firm Summer Lawyers from its owners.

The building is currently under an interim heritage order put in place by Minister for Heritage Gabrielle Upton.38

6 February 2020
Frozen in time: A special look inside the Regent Theatre in 2020
Closed for more than a decade, the art deco-era Regent Theatre building has effectively stood frozen in time. Not only that, but even when it was operational, the equipment in some parts of the Regent were of a particular era long passed.

Council will not buy the Regent Theatre Revive the Regent founder speaks on groups vision and hopes for the theatre ahead of auction date Opinion: Pulled down for no reason except greed Opinion: The Regent Theatre - more than just a theatre History under the hammer: The Regent Theatre is for sale The Mudgee Guardian was fortunate enough to explore the interior of the building thanks to The Property Shop, ahead of its auction on Friday March 6.

Below you'll find more than 70 photographs taken inside the building which show the theatre as it stands in 2020. A lot of the fixtures and equipment used in the building are still operational and while some areas are in disrepair, the interior is exactly how many would remember it.

This article was made possible thanks to our subscribers.

CREDIT: Benjamin Palmer39

21 February 2020
Council eyes Regent Theatre auction outcome
Another packed Council meeting has seen more passionate supporters of the Regent Theatre speak in favour of Council pursuing the idea of purchasing and supporting the building.

At the February 20 Council meeting, two members of the public spoke in support of Councillor Russell Holden's motion, Judith James and Charmaine Lynch.

The motion asked that Council conduct a 'fact finding mission' aiming to explore the realities around purchasing the Regent including identifying grant opportunities, potential operators, feasibility study quotes and additional sources of funding.

More Regent Theatre news:

Opinion: The retention of the theatre in Mudgee Regent Theatre placed on State Heritage Register What does the inside of the Regent look like today? "Everyone is passionate about the Regent, we understand the importance of the cultural heritage tha the Regent has. And I personally am very supportive of seeing that come into public hands and be brought back to life. I'm not going to spend money willy nilly and I want to understand exactly what it is that the community would like to see," Cr Holden said.

Councillor Sam Paine moved an amendment that was ultimately passed that pushed Council's 'fact finding mission' on a Regent purchase until after the March 6 auction date. The reason being that a private purchase could render any work Council conducts moot.

"Obviously I do agree with Russell that these are the steps that we need to go through. But, before we get to our March meeting we're going to have the auction for this and everything could change there and we might have completely different steps that we need to look at if we're going to help make this happen," Cr Paine said.

The Regent Theatre will go up for auction on March 640 .

24 April 2020
Mudgee's historic Regent Theatre taken off the market: The future of Mudgee's historic Regent Theatre remains unclear, after it was taken off the market minutes before an auction was set to begin.
The future of the historic Regent Theatre remains unclear, after it was taken off the market minutes before its auction was set to begin.

The real estate state agency handling the sale said the mortgagee's debts on the art-deco building had been settled.

It was expected to be sold after it was repossessed late last year.

"There's been negotiations in the background that we're not privy to, but certainly we've seen a result that the mortgagee has had its debt settled," real estate agent Andrew Palmer said.

The theatre has caused tension over the years in Mudgee, with plans to redevelop it into a hotel, bar & function centre rejected by the Mid Western Regional Council in 2018.

The council was asked to consider buying the old theatre & restoring it, but this year voted to approach the NSW Government about purchasing the building.

The Government gave the building special protections earlier this year, after it listed the Regent Theatre on the State Heritage Register.

Mr Palmer said he did not know how that would affect the owner's plan for the theatre.

"That Regent Theatre will be protected. It'll just be a matter of what type of development & what the current owner's plans are for it," he said.

There had also been an impassioned push to restore the theatre from a local group.

The Revive the Regent group had hoped it could be used to host concerts, plays & other forms of entertainment, as well as showing films.

The group's spokeswoman, Simone Sheridan, said it was unclear what this latest development meant for the future of the theatre.

But she said she was reassured it would be protected by the state heritage listing.

"I am not concerned about the theatre," she said.

She said the group would "wait patiently" & continue to contact the owner about what the plan was for the building41 .

2021

6 February 2021
As the Regent goes up for auction again, the community wonders if this time is different
The Regent Theatre will go under the hammer once again in March.

The iconic, heritage-listed theatre and object of much debate and controversy in Mudgee, will go up for auction on March 26 at 11am this time handled by Mudgee First National Real Estate.

Robbie Palmer from First National said just about everyone knows the cultural significance of the building in Mudgee.

"The building deserves the attention that it gets, in my opinion," Robbie said.

"Speaking personally, I've got memories going right back to seeing Grease to seeing Lady and the Tramp. The first time I was allowed to go to the movies on my own, I think it was The Empire Strikes back. I saw the Choirboys there.

"The building itself has been at the heart of Mudgee's pop culture and social life from the day it opened until the day it closed."

Robbie said since the announcement of the auction went up late Thursday evening, he has already had nearly a dozen emails and phone calls from people interested in the sale.

"There's people that are out there that would like to do something with it, whether they can or not, remains to be seen," he said.

"The building deserves that whatever happens to it to be a big deal. It's, it's part of the town's culture and streetscape. And and I'm pretty sure whoever ends up owning it, will take that into consideration with whatever they choose to do."

On the subject of potential buyers, Simone Sheridan of the advocate group Revive The Regent said the had been relatively quiet in 2020 while the building was in the hands of a liquidator, as it remains.

The general position of the group is still that they would prefer that Council purchase the building. Simone said she believes a lot of people are making assumptions about the viability of the Regent as a theatre thanks to poor information and said the group will fight to inform people as best they can.

"What what we want to do over the next six weeks is continue to disseminate correct information about the building and potentially attract a buyer if Council will not discuss it, which appears to be the way it's going," she said.

Simone said the potential viability of the Regent as an ongoing entertainment venue is even stronger now given Mudgee's continued tourism growth, pointing out Mudgee's recent inclusion on a list of the world's most 'saved' destinations.

Previous Regent Theatre coverage A special look inside the Regent Theatre in 2020 Council will not buy the Regent Theatre Regent Theatre placed on State Heritage Register Councils investigation into Regent Theatre options ends with ownership return The Regent Theatre more than just a theatre Revive the Regent founder speaks on groups vision and hopes for the theatre "At the moment you can only seat 80 people in the Town Hall in a region of thousands. So we can socially distance inside that theatre well, and it can be done COVID safe," she said.

"The people that sort of put pressure on us to buy the theatre. They don't seem to understand that... the community didn't have to buy the pool or the stadium or the library. This is another cultural asset.

Simone said some have pushed back against the art gallery development on Market Street because they see it as a project that takes resources and attention away from the theatre. But she disagrees.

"We can do both, Mudgee can be both. I can see it now. We're an affluent area we've got the mines we're booming with housing prices, tourism is up, this is the perfect time for the Regent, really."

A controversial development application (DA) lodged in 2018 proposed turning the building into a multi-use facility which included accommodation, function centre and bar facilities.

This proposal was knocked back by Council and an amended DA was put forth.

Anyone interested in purchasing or bidding on the Regent can get in touch by contacting First National Real Estate Mudgee.

What do you think?

CREDIT: Benjamin Palmer42

19 February 2021
Regent 'wait and see'
Council Mayor Des Kennedy has used his first Mayoral Minute of the year to revisit the subject of Mudgee's Regent Theatre leading to discussion from Councillors in the chamber.

The Mayoral Minute was to say that Council will await the outcome of the auction of the Regent Theatre to be held on 26 March before addressing any potential Council interest in purchasing the building.

This followed three public speakers who represented Revive the Regent who cited the tourism and cultural potential of the building for Mudgee with one of the speakers erroneously citing three regional theatres that they claimed run successfully but in fact run at a financial loss.

Councillor Russell Holden spoke in support of the Minute and said it would be unwise for Council to enter into an auction for the building.

"We had this discussion before - we've had groundhog day a couple of times - I don't think that we want to be in an auction for this building. If a developer comes along and is mindful of all the caveats that heritage listing has put on it then I think that is win, win for everybody," he said.

"Because at the end of the day it has to basically remain a theatre and we will have, again, a professional operator who will take it on.

"In the event that it doesn't sell then we are in a position to make a decision as a Council to whether or not we wish to go into private treaty negotiations, and that has all sorts of complications, including discussing with the community exactly what it is that they want to see and assessing whether or not the refurbishment costs are something that Council has an appetite for and what the ongoing costs are going to be.

"This is not simply run in and stick your finger in the air and go 'that's what we're going to pay for it'. There is a lot more to it and there is going to be a lot more discussion and a lot more debate about this in the event it doesn't sell43 ."

27 March 2021
'A great thing': Regent Theatre revived following successful auction
It's the moment Mudgee has been waiting for.

A collective applause was issued at the confirmation of Mudgee's iconic building, the Regent Theatre being sold for one million dollars on March 26.

Dozens of patrons, both residents and visitors to the region, made an appearance at the sale that was auctioned by First National Real Estate Mudgee principal, Tim O'Brien.

Initially, a brief pause was taken before a bidder made the leap to enter the first offer, but after approximately six minutes of back and forth, Mr O'Brien declared the sale complete.

Following the auction, the new owner of the building, Bob Micola, who did not wish to speak with the media at the time of sale, confirmed he has some plans for the building.

The publican has an extensive property portfolio which includes the recent sale of the Frisco Hotel in Sydney's Woolloomooloo that sold for $10.5 million.

Mr O'Brien said while anticipation is high regarding what form the Regent Theatre will now take, it's an encouraging step forward.

"This is a great thing for the town, we've got a new owner and something is going to happen to it, we don't know what yet, but that's what we need for Mudgee," he said.

"There has been a lot of interest and you'd expect that with a building like this, it's one of the iconic buildings in Mudgee. It holds very dear to the hearts of the people of the whole Mudgee community44 ."

30 March 2021
Bright future for Regent
From front page "There's all sorts of things you could do with it, of course that DA is in place, there's the heritage order on the building so that will protect it to a degree as well.

"I think it's a very fair deal all round, absolutely. The bidding was quite spirited which was terrific. Hopefully for the Mudgee community the right thing will happen to it."

The building, which was built in 1935 and holds 989 people, is 'priceless' according to the National Trust regional branch president, Bruce Wilson who said the future of the building is a 'real mystery'.

"It's been a very controversial building in terms of what should be done."

"But the one thing we've all agreed on is that it's one of the rare Art Deco buildings that really needs to be preserved, not just for Mudgee but Australia too," he said.

"It was described as a building that's brought entertainment to countless generations, it's evoked a lot of passion and will continue to do so.

"Now that we have a NSW Heritage Council listing on it we are happy the integrity of the building will be maintained."

What, if any, roadblocks the Heritage listing will present remains to be seen.

Founder and President of local advocacy group Revive the Regent, Simone Sheridan, said the group looks forward to potentially working with the Regent's new owner.

"Revive The Regent Theatre Mudgee Inc. has managed to create a diverse database of contacts that we believe will be of use to the new owner of the Regent Theatre," she said.

"It's great that there was so much interest and we hope this means the future of the theatre can be clearer.

"As a non-profit organisation we can partner with the owner to support the heritage preservation of the building and we look forward to meeting with them to learn more about their plans."

The Regent Theatre was placed on the NSW State Heritage Register in 2020 after a campaign of community support.

The building facade and many heritage features will remain as they are protected under the heritage listing.

For a look inside the Regent and how it looked in late 2020, head to the Mudgee Guardian website.

CREDIT: Jay-Anna Mobbs and Nicolas Zoumboulis45

References