The project which sets out to improve the customer experience for theatregoers at the Ipswich Regent Theatre is moving steps closer, as Ipswich Borough Council’s Executive will discuss plans at its next meeting on 16 July.
Plans for the project look to modernise and improve facilities including creating larger bar areas with higher service capacity and more seating, a fully refurbished Circle Lounge and to also increase the number of toilets in the venue.
Disabled access will also be improved with significant improvements to the venue’s accessible entrance, improved access to the Circle Lounge and an increased number of accessible toilets, including an onsite Changing Places facility.
The transformative project also seeks to revive and restore some of the building’s stunning art deco features to their former glory, as East Anglia’s largest theatre looks ahead to its 100th anniversary in a few years’ time.
Funding for the project solely comes from a Restoration Levy which was added to all tickets over £10 in June 2023, with the generated income ring-fenced for the refurbishment, improvement, and upkeep of the theatre.
Subject to receiving planning consent, procurement work for the refurbishment project can then start, with the refurbishment project planned to be completed by the end of 2025.
Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, says: “We’re excited to announce the latest investment in the theatre which is focused on improving accessibility, toilet provision and the bars.
While much of the work will focus on modernising the building to ensure that theatregoers receive the very best customer experience, the project will also ensure this important cultural asset is protected and its original features are restored.”
History of Ipswich Regent Theatre:
Ipswich Regent Theatre is a Grade II listed Art Deco theatre and first opened as a ‘cine-variety hall’ in 1929. Up until the mid-1980s it offered both cinema and live entertainment.
In 1989 the theatre was purchased by Ipswich Borough Council and received front of house renovation before re-opening in September 1991.
Since that time, the upstairs Circle Lounge has been refurbished and November 2014 saw work to reinstate original plaster mouldings in the Foyer and Crush Hall.
In 2022 permission was granted for new dressing room facilities, catering, and wardrobe space as new units on part of the rear car park. These new facilities were opened by the Mayor of Ipswich in November 2023.
Ipswich Regent Theatre’s capacity is 1,551 seats per show. It now boasts an extensive, regionally significant programme of large-scale shows including West End musicals, comedy, dance, music of all varieties, opera, drama, special interest performances as well as a successful co-produced pantomime.
For further information about the Restoration Levy and updates on Ipswich Regent Theatre’s refurbishment project, please visit: ipswichtheatres.co.uk/restoration-levy
