A PLAN to demolish an Art Deco landmark on Redcar’s seafront and replace it with a new facility has been heavily criticised.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s cabinet is to consider proposals to transform the Regent Cinema into a new modern facility at the current site on Redcar seafront.

The council said that in April 2018, the building was closed for public safety, and following structural and building surveys, it was confirmed that the cinema had reached the end of its life and any development would need to be in a new building.

In March 2019, the council committed to saving the Regent by using funding agreed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet as part of its ten-year investment plan, guaranteeing its future.

Under the new plans, which are estimated to cost about £9m, the cinema would seat nearly 200 people in three screens with a café and events space including a bar.

Councillor Wayne Davies, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at the council, said: “We know what this cinema means to our residents; it was a real blow when it closed last year.”

Cllr Carl Quartermain, leader of the Labour Group, said: “This announcement is deeply disappointing given the depth of public love and support for the Regent Cinema building. The funding for the Regent cinema was already agreed by the Labour administration when we secured £20m in February. This was to bring the Regent building back to life and deliver a new hotel and leisure facilities on the old Coatham Bowl site.

“We do not have to lose this unique Art Deco building. There is nothing preventing the creation of a post modern structure within it that we can all be proud of.”