The news will be warmly welcomed by Tenbury Town Council and the cinema volunteers, who have campaigned passionately to see the Grade II listed Art Deco building restored and conserved.
Unlike many cinema’s of the period which have fallen into disrepair and dereliction, the construction of a community centre at the rear of the building in the 1980’s has seen the Regal Cinema act as a focal point for local groups and activities ever since.
Built to replace the New Picture House, which was on the site since 1917, the Regal Cinema was acquired by the Council in 1972. Located on Teme Street in Tenbury town centre it has been cited an excellent example of a 1930s ‘super cinema’ constructed on miniature scale.
Designed by specialist cinema architect Ernest Robert, it is nationally recognised by the Cinema Theatre Association as having ‘one of the most astonishing auditorium decorations of 1930s cinemas in Britain’ in the form of a painted mural by George Legge - a ‘trompe l’oeil’ Italian scene around three sides of the interior.
Currently in poor condition and suffering from water ingress through its roof and walls, the grant money will ensure that this precious 20th century artwork is conserved and saved for future generations.
Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the West Midlands, explained the importance of the award:
“The Regal Cinema is a real local community hub and widely used by a variety of groups from amateur dramatics to brass band playing, arts societies and local charity functions among many other uses. The HLF grant will ensure that as well as being able to preserve the interior, the Council can now develop further educational activities and interpretation for people of all ages so they can learn about the past of this beautiful building while using it today.”
Community activities to be run in conjunction with the project include the recruitment and training of volunteers to carry out research for a booklet, oral histories to be recorded and made into a CD, cinema tours, a teacher/student resource pack called ‘Producing the Regal’, and a young people’s annual film project.
Neville Topping, Project Manager and Grant Administrator said:
"This is a tremendous collective success. The Town Council, local enthusiasts, building users, design consultants, professional advisers and the Heritage Lottery Fund have worked together to ensure the future of the Regal and everyone involved should be proud of their contribution."
The Mayor of Tenbury Wells, Councillor Elizabeth Weston, said:
“News of the award has been greeted with absolute delight by Councillors and townsfolk. It is a wonderful Christmas gift for Tenbury Wells to know that part of its heritage will be preserved for future generations.”Shropshire Star - Delight
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10 comments:
Absolutely brilliant news. Congratulations to all those involved in this successful application. My only caveat is about “further educational activities and interpretation for people of all ages so they can learn about the past of this beautiful building while using it today.” Why is the HLF obsessed with “education” and “interpretation”. We have precious buildings falling into disrepair whilst the HLF spends a fortune on “education” and “interpretation” – witness the £10m grant for the Stonehenge Visitors’ Centre.
Why is the HLF obsessed with “education” and “interpretation”
Im guessing that the H in HLF stands for heritage - stop moaning and just enjoy.
Sorry Anonymous, I don’t think you quite get the point. I’m not moaning, and have already said that I am delighted by the Regal’s success. But the point is that(am I wasting my time labouring this?) if the HLF keeps wasting money on pc “education” and “interpretation” there won’t be any money left to preserve our heritage! In other words (do I really need to spell this out?) if the building (not the Regal of course) has been allowed to fall down what’s the point of “education” and “interpretation”?
No need to apologise Almost Anonymous Ian
(am I wasting my time labouring this?)- Yes you are.
(do I really need to spell this out?)- Yes you do.
Perhaps moaning is a bit unfair, more over-analysing. Have a nice Christmas.
hope they have up to date films
There will only be up to date films if the Regal equips for Digital Cinema.
This HLF money will enable you to learn about the history of the building while you look at the restored murals, young people will learn how films used to be made and shown at the Regal in the past but you will not be able to watch the latest film unless additional funding is found to up-grade the current projection system.
35mm film will be part of history and come under Heritage and Learning.
Was digital equipment part of the HLF bid? If no, then the dilemma very nicely demonstrates a point I made earlier - that the policies of the HLF carried to their logical conclusion could very well result in everyone being very well informed about the Regal's history and 35mm film – but with a building unable to show the latest films. How crazy is that?
The digital equipment wasn't (and couldn't be) a part of the Heritage Lottery Bid. They were only interested in returning the Cinema to the 1930s (with a modern roof, insulation etc).
It is hoped that with funds from the Regal Cinema Group and perhaps a grant or loan raised by TTC, funding can be found for this very necessary bit of kit.
In reply to Ian, digital equipment is not part of the HLF grant. The Regal Cinema Group has encouraged Tenbury Town Council to join the Digital Funding Partnership (DFP); you can read more on that here.
http://www.cinemauk.org.uk/ukdigitalfundingpartnership/
The Regal Cinema Group are currently paying half the Town Council's costs to be members of the DFP. As a not-for-profit organization we have funds available towards digital equipment but WR15 is correct in saying further funding in the form of a grant or loan will be required.
Enjoyed reading/following your page.Please keep it coming. Cheers!
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