Popcorn will flow from Wollongong’s Regent Theatre candy-bar again as its cinema reopens, for one day only, to indulge the community in some nostalgia.
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Social media was a flurry in April with people sharing memories after The Mercury ran a story on the refurbishment of the heritage listed building, now a church.
Gateway City Church pastor Scott Hanzy said the feedback clearly showed the Illawarra loved this historic theatre.
“There’s memories going back to the mid-50’s all the way through to its close. We’ve heard of stories of people proposing here, first dates, anniversaries,” he said.
The church has hosted an annual fashion parade fundraiser for their “Love Wollongong” charity project in previous years, but will be replaced by a movie screenings on August 27.
Minions, Inception and Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be shown with the option to purchase a meal deal with their movie ticket.
Illawarra theatre owner Herbert Wyndham Jones planned the Regent’s construction during the 1930s and 1940s, but did not live to see it realised.
When it opened in 1957, with lavish art deco styling, it quickly asserted itself as the grandest picture theatre in the region.
Mr Jones’ wife and son ran the picture business before his daughter, Rowena Milgrove, took it on.
Mrs Milgrove died in January, 2004, 20 days before she was going to close the cinema permanently, amid mounting financial pressure.
The church bought the 1200 seat theatre for $3.5 million and spent $1 million on refurbishments.
For more information visit: http://communitymovieday.wix.com/home