Save the Regent

As this story on Ourbrisbane.com says, please visit the Regent before it closes -- and keep making a noise about saving the Showcase and bar areas.

The history of the Regent, including events since its 1980 makeover, is presented in a beautifully compiled document here. Please take the time to read it and look at the pictures, then ponder what the State Government and the Brisbane City Council is prepared to sacrifice in the name of "progress".

The Regent's "D-day" is fast approaching. Please, even if you have already done so, send a letter to Anna Bligh (premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au), the building's owner (admin@ispt.net.au and dbrowning@ispt.net.au) and others (there's a full list of addresses here) saying something like: "Along with thousands of other Queenslanders, I do not believe the current plan to redevelop the Regent sufficiently protects this unique building. Any redevelopment should include the culturally significant Showcase cinema and ornate bar area. Premier, you have promised that a "cinema" will be included in the new office tower, however it will only be open on weekends and it seems that it will lack professional cinema-style projection and sound equipment. Also, I am extremely concerned that nobody will say how long it will remain open to the public, even on this very limited basis. Premier, it is not too late to ensure that the Regent truly lives again as a public venue for all Queenslanders to enjoy."

Please email the Premier, Anna Bligh, and the owners of the Regent building ISPT (the email addresses are here) and tell them the Showcase cinema is one a a kind and must be saved at all costs.

The Regent's tenants, Birch, Carroll and Coyle, are sponsoring a film festival and competition before they move out in June. A percentage of proceeds from ticket sales will go to the contest prize pools. Enjoy the Regent while you can - and keep up the fight to save the Showcase Cinema and the magical bar area from demolition! Details of the festival and contest are here. Click here to email the Premier and other state and council officials, and the building's owner, to let them know that you do not agree with the current plans to demolish the Showcase cinema and ornate bar area, and are concerned that the demoliton and construction process may impact adversely on the Regent's foyer. Here's a clever promo for the festival starring Drew Jarvis (aka Curio from The Shak) . It was shot in the Showcase cinema, which, I hope you agree, really must be saved: