Work began in October 2011 and was finished earlier this year. An official reopening event was held on Saturday 28 July, on the weekend of the 75th anniversary of the cinema’s original launch in 1937. 250 guests filled the auditorium to celebrate the conclusion of the capital works, including Cllr Susan Corfield, Mayor of Tenbury Wells, Jenni Ord from the HLF Committee for the West Midlands, and other members of the Town and District Councils.

Key individuals who have been instrumental in the cinema’s history were also invited.

In December 2010 Tenbury Town Council secured a £680,000 grant from HLF. This was brought up to £750,000 with contributions from the council and other sources.

The cinema’s restoration included three months of work on its art deco murals, one of the Regal’s most unique original features. The murals were cleaned and restored by mural artist Richard Gill. Other decorative restorations include the painting schemes around the building and original lighting schemes in the auditorium and foyer.

As part of the work, access improvements have been made to the cinema, including the addition of an access lift in the foyer, allowing access to that area for those who cannot manage the stairs.

A programme of learning and engagement events has been running since the work began at the cinema in October, and will continue now the cinema is open to the public again. This includes work with local schools and community groups, as well as opportunities for the public to learn about the history of the building in guided tours and other special events.

Cllr Susan Corfield, Mayor of Tenbury Wells, said: “It is fantastic to have the Regal Cinema returned to its former glory. The Regal is a valuable community asset to Tenbury, and it is wonderful to have it open to the public again.”

Jenni Ord, Committee Member for HLF West Midlands said: “I’m delighted to see this stunning and architecturally important cinema restored and brought fully back to use within the local community – where it is clearly much loved and valued by the people of Tenbury. May it continue to thrive and be used by people of all ages for many years to come.”

Notes for editors

The aims of the Regal Cinema project were as follows:

• to repair and restore the Grade II-listed building
• to repair and restore the mural
• to create and deliver a program of community learning and engagement activities
• to maintain and increase community use of the building
• to research, document and record the history of the cinema
• to increase the number of visitors to the cinema

Further information

Sarah Fellows, Regal Heritage Access Officer
Phone: 07980 692 302
Email: hao@tenburytown.org.uk

Vicky Wilford, Communications Account Manager
Phone: 0207 591 6046
Mobile: 07973 401 937
Email: vickyw@hlf.org.uk