Page 24 -

occupied by Intensity Games was further
developed into one of the state’s most modern
and luxurious Gold Class cinemas and
Restaurant. The Gold Class cinema seats up to
28 patrons on luxurious recliners with full
table service. In addition, Cinema 6 was
further developed to facilitate demand for fine
art films, and so the Showcase Cinema was
born.

In March 2015, further expansion took place,
resulting in the Regent now having a total of
nine screens.

The Regent has been one of Regional
Victoria’s leaders in cinema technology. By
2012, all cinemas had been converted to
digital projection, with Cinema 1 having one
of the largest 3D screens in Victoria. Some of
the cinemas also have equipment for
NEC digital projector, typical for all cinemas in the complex. This projector is equipped for 3D presentation of satellite broadcasts from
around the world. Retention of a Kinoton
By the late 1980s, multiplex cinemas had Ballarat’s Village Drive-In (opened in the FP30 projector and platter system in Cinema 1
started to appear. Not to be left behind, the 1960s), and later took over the former Ballarat leaves the door open for 35 mm film
Anderson family set about converting the Hoyts Skyline Drive-In (opened in the late presentation. Conference facilities are also
Regent into a three-screen complex by 1950s). available for up to 700 people.
bricking up the existing proscenium arch,
extending the dress circle through to the new At about the same time, the Anderson family The next stage of refurbishment commenced
brickwork and installing a new screen and purchased the carpark which was located after the 2015 September school holidays, and
curtains. This area formed the present between the north side of the Regent and the included replacement of seats and carpets in a
Cinema 1 whilst retaining the post 1943 rear of the adjoining Railway Hotel (now number of cinemas, and provision of new
auditorium decoration. The floor level of the known as the Regent Hotel) at the south-west carpeting throughout the foyer areas.
former stalls area was lowered, and a dividing corner of Lydiard Street North and Mair
wall was constructed from front to back, Street. This area continued to be operated by Jack Anderson died on 24 March 1993 at the
creating current Cinemas 2 and 3. The three- the family as a private carpark until 1996, age of 69, but the Regent Multiplex is still
screen complex opened on 22 November when three more screens were constructed in exclusively owned by his wife, Mrs. Marie
1988, one of the first of its kind in regional a new building erected on the carpark site. The Anderson. Jack’s ability to sense the
Victoria. new building also housed a Gold Class style importance of buildings such as the Regent,
theatrette, an Intensity Games area and the and to carry out the work of preservation of
During the 8 month construction period, the administration area for Anderson Cinemas. the building’s true and original character, will
Andersons temporarily relocated their cinema The building was officially opened in June remain a long-lasting benefit to the cinema
operation to the Mechanics Institute building 1996 to a gala Australian premiere of Mission industry and, in particular, the residents of
in Sturt Street, Ballarat, where they screened Impossible, starring Tom Cruise. The opening Ballarat. The newspaper advertisement below
as the Sturt cinema in what is now known as was attended by 250 invited guests, Alan says it all.¬
the Minerva Space. (Re-opening in 2015, the Myers and Anthony Vogels (both of United
Minerva Space has now been painstakingly International Pictures), John Anderson
restored to its original glory, having (Village Theatres Managing Director) and
previously been used for cinema under the Stephen Anderson (Regent Multiplex
names of Brittania, Odeon, Vegas 70 and Managing Director).
Sturt by various other exhibitors). At the
time, the Anderson family, in partnership with Since then, the cinema complex has continued
Village Theatres, was also operating to grow. In April 2007, the area formerly

Acknowledgements:
Images:
John Budge.
Cinema & Theatre Association.
Max Pert.
Les Tod.
Mike Trickett
Hoyts Theatres.
CATHS Archive.
Fairfax Syndication.

Sources:
The Anderson Family, in particular
Mrs. Marie Anderson, (current Regent owner) and
Mr. John Bourke, (Regent Sales Manager).
Les Tod.
Argus Newspaper.
Victorian Heritage Register.
Trove.
The Regent Multiplex today. Cinemas 1-2-3 are in the left section of the building. Cinemas 4-9 and Mr. Mike Cuttle - Ballarat Historical Society Inc.
Corporate Offices are in the centre building. The Regent Hotel is on the right, abutting Mair Street Ballarat Mechanics Institute.

24 CINEMARECORD # 88