Rick Taylor bought the Regent Cinema in 2013 for \u00a3100,000 [LDRS]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
A vintage cinema is ready to set the stage for local live entertainment.<\/p>\n
The Art Deco Regent Cinema in Blackpool reopened a decade ago as an independent operator and also plays host to a collectors’ emporium.<\/p>\n
In recent years the building, which was built in 1921, has also lent its atmospheric setting for a series of ghost hunts.<\/p>\n
Now owner and local businessman Rick Taylor, who bought the property with wife Lindsay, said it was available to welcome drama groups, bands and stand up comedy in a further bid to put the venue back on the town’s map.<\/p>\n
He said: “We have a stage which is perfect for live entertainment and it would be a shame not to make the most of it. It would be great to see local drama groups, rock bands or comedy folk performing here.”<\/p>\n The Regent Cinema building was built in 1921 [LDRS]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service<\/a>: “As a venue it has an incredible atmosphere and it would help create a real sense of occasion.<\/p>\n “The tiered seating arrangement would be perfect too.<\/p>\n “Over the years we’ve had ghost hunts, private cinema screenings and our regular cinematic shows, offering all kinds of classic films every fortnight.<\/p>\n “There’s great potential here.”<\/p>\n The cinema is one of Blackpool’s most distinctive buildings.<\/p>\n Located on the corner of Regent Road and Church Street, the white-tiled structure harks back to the days of the old “picture palaces” in the heyday of the silver screen, when crowds of people would flock to enjoy a bit of Hollywood glamour.<\/p>\n But it gradually fell into a state of disrepair and disuse before being restored as a working cinema and antiques hall after Mr Taylor bought the derelict building for \u00a3100,000 in 2013, reopening in 2016.<\/p>\n Blackpool Council helped provide some of the money for energy-saving solar panels on the roof.<\/p>\n Mr Taylor added: “Running an old building like this has its challenges, there are always leaks or repairs to deal with.<\/p>\n “But I’ve never regretted saving it. Too many lovely old buildings in Blackpool have been lost and this is a real gem.<\/p>\n “We had a pretty good 2025 and we’re optimistic about next year, too.”<\/p>\n Listen to the best of <\/em>BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds<\/em><\/a> and follow BBC Lancashire on <\/em>Facebook<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>X<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>Instagram<\/em><\/a>. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>
‘Real gem’<\/h2>\n
Related internet links<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n