Regent Theatre, Wollongong, Heritage-listed former cinema in Wollongong, Australia
The Regent Theatre on Keira Street is a former cinema with striking geometric designs in the Art Deco style. The interior features plaster-decorated ceilings with intricate cross-hatch patterns that showcase the decorative craftsmanship of the era.
Construction started in the 1950s after World War II delays had prevented earlier work on the site. The building opened in late December 1957 and immediately became a major entertainment center for the growing city.
The place was named to reflect its role as a premier entertainment venue for the local community. Inside, the elaborate ceiling details and wall finishes reveal how much this building meant as a cultural gathering space for Wollongong residents.
The building sits on a main street and is easily spotted from the sidewalk thanks to its distinctive green facade. Since interior access is limited to group tours or special events, visitors should contact ahead to check current visiting arrangements.
The facade was restored to its original olive green color in 2016, bringing back the Art Deco appearance that had been hidden for decades. This restoration work revealed details of the building's original design that had been covered or faded over time.
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