Palace Cinemas Revives Ballarat's Historic Regent Cinemas

Regent Cinemas in Ballarat Reborn: A New Chapter Begins!

Big news has arrived in the world of cinema in Ballarat! Australia's largest independent cinema group, Palace Cinemas, has recently acquired the historic Regent Cinemas, a cherished establishment that dates back nearly 100 years. Once deemed the largest "movie palace" in regional Victoria, the cinema had to close its doors this past June, leaving many locals heartbroken.

But fear not, film lovers! The beloved Regent will be reawakening as the Palace Regent Ballarat on October 3. With its fresh identity, the cinema promises to offer an exciting lineup that includes international film festivals, upscale movies, and popular blockbusters catered to diverse audiences.

Originally opened by the Hoyts theatre chain in 1928, Regent Cinemas has played a pivotal role in the Ballarat community's social life. Liquidator Justin Howlett remarked on the "fantastic result" of the sale, which followed an extensive two-and-a-half-month process involving 16 interested parties. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from locals, noting that the cinema was not just a source of entertainment but a place for social gathering and connection.

Howlett explained, "It's a great day for Ballarat and for the cinema public. The ongoing support that we've had from the Ballarat community has no doubt played a massive part in the attractiveness of the business." While some interested buyers were merely looking to acquire items from the theater, Palace Cinemas stood out with the intention of reopening the venue and continuing its legacy.

Talking about the challenges faced by independent cinemas, Palace Cinemas’ head of marketing, Alex Moir, shared his insights: “During the pandemic, all cinemas closed down for a time, and independent cinemas felt the brunt of that. The actors' and writers' strike last year further disrupted the entire release calendar for 2024.”

Despite the trials and tribulations, Moir remains optimistic about the future of regional cinemas. "We've noticed signs of growth and a resurgent demand for big-screen experiences in regional Victoria." He added,