Regent Cinema

Located in Winchester, Hampshire. The Corn Exchange was built in 1838 and was designed in Italianate style by architect Owen Browne Carter. It was converted into a roller skating rink in 1906. It became a live theatre named Empire Corn Exchange in 1913 and was soon renamed Regent Theatre. On 15th August 1917 it became the Regent Picture Theatre. It boasted a restaurant and a tea lounge. In 1918 it was taken over by John and James Simpkins who also operated the Royal Theatre in town. They closed the Regent Theatre on 3rd June 1922 and converted it into a dance hall.

It reopened as the Regent Cinema on 4th September 1933 with Will Rogers & Janet Gaynor in “State Fair”. It closed in 1936 and was converted into a public library.

It was taken over by Hampshire County Council in 1974. In 2007 it underwent a £7 million renovation and was transformed into a culture centre which opened in 2008. The library is still on the ground floor, with the mezzanine level used for exhibitions and it is now know as The Arc.

On 24th March 1950 it was designated a Grade II Listed building.

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