Images via Stallard Meek Flightpath Architects (SMFA) and the City of Burnside
The Regal Theatre on Kengsinton Road is set to see a major refurbishment after $2.43m in grant funding was announced as a part of the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program.
Included in the proposal is increased green space, with a larger lawn area and gardens with native plants, new exterior toilet block, theatre layout changes, best practice disability access, and heritage conservation and enhancement.
Both indoor and outdoor spaces within the precinct will see renovations to accommodate movies, live entertainment, and complimentary activities to increase the use and patronage of the theatre and surrounding outdoor precinct.
Indoors will see a relocation of backstage mechanical units, new retractable screen and sound provisions, improved theatre layout and configuration to achieve better functionality and activation, additional doors and windows in the cottage to improve public access, relocation of the restaurant kitchen to the cottage, and consolidation of toilets into uni-sex facilities.
The outdoor area will see improved, safer and more inviting connections and walkways between the car park, outdoor spaces and theatre entrance, increases in usable outdoor space, trees and grassed areas, an outdoor deck with shade structure, new side entrance to the theatre creating a laneway-like atmosphere for the outdoor dining breakout, activation to the cottage including toilets, restaurant kitchen, and storage, and removal of the non-heritage lean-on to the western side of the cottage to create additional usable space.
In collaboration with the City of Burnside, Stallard Meek Flightpath Architects (SMFA) has developed the concept design for the theatre precinct’s internal and external spaces.
“SMFA is actively engaged in supporting the arts in South Australia through the contemporary restoration of the Regal Theatre Precinct, formerly known as the Princess Theatre. This project is dedicated to securing the future of this state heritage-listed building by emphasising conservation and ensuring longevity,” SMFA shared in an Instagram post.
“The master plan provides strategic guidance, emphasising the preservation of the theatre’s heritage value. It also aims to enhance the site for movies, live entertainment, and various activities, promoting overall use and patronage. Practical considerations include accessible connections and disability access, along with efforts to increase open space and enhance environmental sustainability through landscaping.”
The Regal Theatre first opened almost 100 years ago in November 1925. Known at the time as the Princess Theatre, it originally presented silent films and pantomimes accompanied by the Princess Theatre Orchestra.
Over the years the cinema was owned by different families, until it was bought by the Burnside Council in 1964. In 2009 the City of Burnside implemented a conservation management plan for the theatre to guide the development, conservation and ongoing maintenance of the buildings, based upon an understanding of the history and significance, and the physical condition of the building.
Images via Stallard Meek Flightpath Architects (SMFA) and the City of Burnside
For more information, and to keep up to date with the Regal Theatre Precinct renovations, click here.
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