End of an Era: Ballarat’s Regent Cinemas Shuts Down Abruptly

Ballarat‘s beloved Regent Cinemas, located on Lydiard Street, has made the heartbreaking decision to permanently close its doors. The announcement came suddenly, leaving the community in shock. Owner Steve Anderson confirmed the closure, expressing deep sadness in having to cease operations effective immediately.

After careful consideration and facing multiple contributing factors, the decision to shut down the iconic venue was made. The closure marks the end of an era for the historical cinema, which has been a significant part of Ballarat for years. Anderson extended his gratitude to the local community for their unwavering support throughout the cinema’s operation.

Following the closure, questions arise about the fate of the cinema’s staff and how customer vouchers and bookings will be handled. Concerned patrons like Ballarat mum Bridget Folbigg shared her disappointment after receiving the news of her daughter’s birthday party cancellation at the Regent Cinemas. However, in a twist of events, Showbiz Cinemas stepped in last minute to host the party at their venue this weekend.

In 2016, the Regent Cinemas faced new competition with the opening of Showbiz Cinemas at Delacombe Town Centre, increasing the city’s total number of screens to 15. The move brought a shift in the local cinema landscape, and now, with the Regent’s closure, the entertainment scene in Ballarat is set to change once again.

Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Regent Cinemas had received federal government aid amounting to $85,000 in 2022 to support its recovery. The restrictions and caps on patron numbers severely impacted revenue, leading to this difficult decision to shut down.

As the curtains close on Regent Cinemas, memories of movie nights and outings at the iconic venue linger in the hearts of Ballarat residents. The legacy of Regent Cinemas will undoubtedly hold a special place in the city’s entertainment history.