A PROGRAMME of redecoration, repairs and refurbishment is being rolled out at the Regent Centre in Christchurch.

The cinema, theatre and arts centre, which has been staging entertainment since it opened on Boxing Day, 1931, is to benefit from improvements in its auditorium, including the addition of an extra 38 seats, bringing capacity to 484, as well as four extra wheelchair bays in the stalls. All the original seats have been upgraded with higher density foam inserts.

A full set of new LED house lights in the auditorium has also been installed and the centre’s famous proscenium arch has also had a makeover with a new pelmet and set of stage curtains, created by the same company which made the stage curtains for the latest Muppets movie.

Walls, doors and radiators in the foyer have been painted, with new digital TV style poster boards displayed on the walls to display information on upcoming films and shows.

A new Circle Bar and Lounge area are also planned for the New Year, as well work on new toilet facilities beginning in July.

The work has cost around £50,000 to date, funded by the Regent Development Fund, which takes 50p from each ticket sale.

Regent Centre manager Greg Rawlings said: “I am really delighted by the positive reaction we have had to the improvements we have been making.

“With more and more shows reaching a sellout at the Regent it has been a win-win situation both for us and for our patrons to have the extra seating capacity on offer.”