The 1930s Grade II listed art deco Regal Cinema in Evesham has had a chequered history with indifferent owners, no major updating and lack of investment through the 1990's. It finally closed in 2003. By the end of the decade it had deteriorated badly due to lack of essential maintenance and neglect of both the interior and exterior fabric. Art deco elements were at risk and subject to vandalism as a result of the building standing empty. As the local authority Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme project officer and conservation officer during the time of the project I saw first hand how, over the last three years or so the new owners, Ian Wiper and his sons Lawrence and Patrick made the project possible. As well as their own funds they accessed grant funding from Advantage West Midlands and the Evesham Townscape Heritage.

Comments

1. I spent alot of my childhood years in the Regal as my uncle Ernie owned it at the time and my auntie Iris and her sister Violet, my grandmother, both worked there...such happy memories!