Published Monday, 25 February, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Premier steps in to save historic theatres
The Bligh Government will press ahead in a bid to save the historic Regent Theatre complex in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall.
Premier Anna Bligh said legal advice received this morning indicated the Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Paul Lucas could direct Brisbane City Council to stop the proposed redevelopment of the cinemas.
“The Regent Theatres hold fond memories for thousands of Brisbane residents,” Ms Bligh said.
“From first dates to anniversaries and meetings with friends, it has been formative in many of our lives.
“It is more than just a building.
“It is part of the unique heartbeat of our city.”
Mr Lucas said the proposal by developers Multiplex and ISPT for a 38-storey office building on the site would now be reviewed.
“We are not saying it can’t go ahead but this development shouldn’t cost the people of Brisbane such a priceless piece of their culture,” he said..
“The Queen Street foyer is already protected on the State Heritage Register and this about preserving the Regent’s use a theatre, which has just as much cultural value.”
Under the Integrated Planning Act the Minister for Planning will issue a ministerial direction to Brisbane City Council as the assessment manager.
Under the direction if Brisbane City Council decides to approve the application the Minister has directed it be limited to only that part of the application that does not impact the cinemas.
Erected in 1928 the Regent Theatre has a unique gothic Spanish style and is characteristic of a 1920s picture palace. It is only one of four Hoyts/Regent picture palaces constructed in Australia at the time.
In the mid 1970s Hoyts planned the demolition of the Regent. A ‘Save the Regent’ campaign was launched and a compromise was reached whereby the foyer and the marble staircase were retained and the new four cinema complex was opened in 1980.
Ms Bligh said she had been impressed with the dedication and passion of a new band of supporters dedicated to saving the Regent.
“A number of people have raised objections to me personally and more than 1,000 people have signed up to facebook and other petitions in protest,” she said.
“There is a ground swell of support for saving this wonderful old building.”
Ms Bligh said she did not want the Regent Theatre complex to go the way of cultural icons such as Cloudland and the Belle Vue destroyed with the approval of previous National Party governments.
25 February, 2008
Media contact: Premier’s office – 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh said legal advice received this morning indicated the Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Paul Lucas could direct Brisbane City Council to stop the proposed redevelopment of the cinemas.
“The Regent Theatres hold fond memories for thousands of Brisbane residents,” Ms Bligh said.
“From first dates to anniversaries and meetings with friends, it has been formative in many of our lives.
“It is more than just a building.
“It is part of the unique heartbeat of our city.”
Mr Lucas said the proposal by developers Multiplex and ISPT for a 38-storey office building on the site would now be reviewed.
“We are not saying it can’t go ahead but this development shouldn’t cost the people of Brisbane such a priceless piece of their culture,” he said..
“The Queen Street foyer is already protected on the State Heritage Register and this about preserving the Regent’s use a theatre, which has just as much cultural value.”
Under the Integrated Planning Act the Minister for Planning will issue a ministerial direction to Brisbane City Council as the assessment manager.
Under the direction if Brisbane City Council decides to approve the application the Minister has directed it be limited to only that part of the application that does not impact the cinemas.
Erected in 1928 the Regent Theatre has a unique gothic Spanish style and is characteristic of a 1920s picture palace. It is only one of four Hoyts/Regent picture palaces constructed in Australia at the time.
In the mid 1970s Hoyts planned the demolition of the Regent. A ‘Save the Regent’ campaign was launched and a compromise was reached whereby the foyer and the marble staircase were retained and the new four cinema complex was opened in 1980.
Ms Bligh said she had been impressed with the dedication and passion of a new band of supporters dedicated to saving the Regent.
“A number of people have raised objections to me personally and more than 1,000 people have signed up to facebook and other petitions in protest,” she said.
“There is a ground swell of support for saving this wonderful old building.”
Ms Bligh said she did not want the Regent Theatre complex to go the way of cultural icons such as Cloudland and the Belle Vue destroyed with the approval of previous National Party governments.
25 February, 2008
Media contact: Premier’s office – 3224 4500