Redcar's stunning new Regent is moving towards completion right on time - as BAM Construction Ltd's work on site reaches its final month.
The last fittings are going in, as paving is installed around the exterior of the building, canopies and balconies receive their finishing touches and painting and decorating continues inside.
Over the next month, as work reaches a conclusion, a process of testing all mechanical and electrical systems will be taking place, including heating, lighting, kitchen equipment and toilet facilities. Last week, audio-visual tests in the screen rooms were carried out - with impressive results.
BAM are expected to be off site by mid-March, after which, some final fitting-out will be ongoing whilst the council engages in a tendering process with potential cinema operators.
At present, the invitation to tender is out and due back by the end of the month. Cinema operators will provide business cases to the council and the selection of which to take forward to a negotiation process can then take place.
Awarding of the contract is expected by June, giving the new operators time to prepare for an opening in the summer.
Councillor Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said:
“We are delighted to share the most recent, up-to-date images of the progress at The Regent. The building is shaping up beautifully in terms of functionality and aesthetics, and the audio-visual tests were superb.
“As the tendering process continues, we are highly optimistic that all is on track for a summer opening. Part of the tendering process will involve selecting operators who have a fantastic offer and fair pricing – we want The Regent to be a place that anybody can enjoy for the long term."
The striking £9.7million facilities have been funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:
“It's fantastic to see the progress being made on the Regent Cinema which, when complete, will undoubtedly become a huge draw for those living in Redcar and visitors alike. As well as investing in large-scale investments to create good-quality, well-paid jobs for people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, this development shows how our funding directly improves the lives of local people. The cinema will have a wider benefit too, getting people into the town and spending money in our brilliant local businesses."
