Plans to elevate the experience for all theatregoers at the Ipswich Regent Theatre have been given the green light by Ipswich Borough Council’s planning department on Tuesday 11 December 2024.

The project which sets out to modernise and improve the Grade II listed theatre’s facilities, promises to improve many aspects of the theatre experience with customers at the forefront of the redevelopment.

The refurbishment of the existing canopy at the front of the building draws inspiration from the Art Deco features throughout, incorporating illuminated lettering and geometric-shaped lighting. This enhances the street scene along St Helen’s Street and improves the thoroughfare into the town centre.

Customers with accessibility needs will now have better access to the building via a refurbishment and upgrade of the existing entrance, allowing direct entry to the foyer and a new lift enabling access to the Circle Lounge. The entrance will feature a ‘Wall of Fame’ mural which is set to showcase the theatre’s vibrant history of performers, improving this entrance for visitors.

Built in 1929, the building will be taken back to its roots with original features such as full height ceilings, Art Deco inspired light fittings and features reintroduced throughout the theatre. Facilities such as the theatre’s bars, Crush Hall and Circle Lounge will however be modernised to enhance the customer experience, with current bars extended to help improve service times and more seating created to enable theatregoers to relax before a show.

Improvements will also be made to toilet facilities, with a single storey extension built to the rear of the theatre, increasing the number of toilets available to customers. New accessible toilet facilities will also be provided to the Circle Lounge, with new toilets and a Changing Places facility added to the ground floor.

The project will solely be funded by a Restoration Levy which has been added to all tickets over £10 since June 2023, with the generated income ring-fenced for the refurbishment, improvement, and upkeep of the theatre.

Now that planning consent has been achieved, procurement work can now start. The project is planned to be completed by December 2025.

The theatre is planned to close in May 2025, with the majority of shows being performed at the Corn Exchange while works take place.

You can find out more about the project and review some artist impressions of the works over on our redevelop page.