This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
ISPT and Brookfield Multiplex will give Brisbane a free theatre, a strategy which will now see the $800 million Queen Street Mall project given the go ahead by the Bligh Government.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Deputy Premier Paul Lucas yesterday said the State Heritage listed Regent Theatre complex in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall will host a new Queensland Film and Television Centre. One auditorium will have 300 seats while the others will each have 60 seat spaces.
The Premier said that developers ISPT and Brookfield Multiplex had offered to host the Queensland Film and Television Centre at the Regent at no extra cost to the taxpayer.
The redeveloped venue will also house the offices of the Pacific Film and Television Commission, the Brisbane International Film Festival and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
“The centre will become the headquarters for the State’s leading film and television artistic and training groups while retaining three working cinemas.
“I can think of no grander vision then to breathe new life into the Regent while still retaining a functioning cinema complex with the building,” Bligh added.
But in February this year, the QLD Government was delivering a different message.
At the time, Lucas said the proposal by Brookfield Multiplex and ISPT for a 38 level office building on the site would be reviewed.
”We are not saying it can’t go ahead but this development shouldn’t cost the people of Brisbane such a priceless piece of their culture.
“The Queen Street foyer is already protected on the State Heritage Register and this about preserving the Regent’s use a theatre, which has just as much cultural value,” Lucas added.
“Since then the developers have amended their plans to provide three multi-function auditoria suitable for cinema, live performance and meetings.” the Premier said yesterday.
Lucas added that the Government would enter into a formal agreement with ISPT and Brookfield Multiplex this month to cement the landmark agreement.
“There will be a heritage advisory committee established including members of the community to provide ongoing input during the redevelopment.
“The Regent’s prominent location and long history, combined with its spectacular ornate foyers, mean it is cherished by the movie-going public and high-profile members of the arts industry alike.
“That’s why the Government stepped in to make sure that this heritage would not be lost to Brisbane’s future generations,” Lucas concluded.
The Regent Theatre was erected in 1928 and has been screening movies since 1929. It has a rare, gothic Spanish architectural style and is reminiscent of the Hollywood picture palace era.
The Theatre is one of only four Hoyts/Regent picture palaces constructed in Australia during this period.
In the mid 1970s, Hoyts planned the demolition of the Regent. But a ‘Save the Regent’ campaign was launched and a compromise was reached whereby the foyer and the marble staircase were retained and the new four cinema complex was opened in 1980.
Australian Property Journal
