Often the first cinemas were tents, halls, or converted shops, but from 1910, cinemas began to be purpose built and a new building type emerged. Most city theatres of the twenties were both cinemas and venues for live performances, as with the Regent, but later buildings were constructed exclusively for cinema (I. Bowman & J. Price, 2003). The Regent name was closely associated with both Hoyts Theatres Limited (a significant cinema chain from the late 1920's) and J C Williamson. J C Williamson (NZ) Ltd built theatres and leased them to Hoyts Theatres Limited, many of whose theatres were named 'The Regent'. J.C. Williamson (NZ) Ltd was founded in 1926 and F. Beaumont Smith was sent from Australia to establish a New Zealand chain of cinemas. (I Bowman & J Price, 2003). The construction of the Regent Theatre in Greymouth was begun in 1933, on the site formerly occupied by a merchant's warehouse (Historic photos [attached] [sourced from History House, Greymouth). The Regent was completed in 1934 and was officially opened on 19 February 1935. It constituted the latest addition to the J.C. Williamson Picture Corporation's chain of theatres, extending from Whangarei to Invercargill. The Regent at Greymouth embodied the latest ideas in modern theatre design at the time. Artistic internal furnishings and decorations were a feature of the theatre. Luxurious carpets were supplied by Ballantynes of Christchurch, and graced the foyer, stairways and aisles. Mr H J Dreyfeldt of Wellington carried out the internal decorations. Mr Williamson of Christchurch was the builder and Mr L L Miles of Wellington was the clerk of works. Mr J Emsworthy was the first manager of the theatre. (Greymouth Evening Star, February 19, 1935) The architect, Mr Lewellyn Williams of Wellington designed numerous theatres around the country, mostly in the Art Deco style. The Regent was built of a revised 'stadium' type, the circle being rather more accentuated than in the usual theatre of that type (Greymouth Evening Star, February 19, 1935). When it was built, the theatre was equipped with the latest model Zeiss projectors and Realtone Audio wide-range equipment. This was supplied by the Cinema Supplies Co, of Wellington. Two changes of "talkie" programs per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, was the initial policy of the lessees and the films were drawn chiefly from United artists (Greymouth Evening Star, 19 February 1935). The Greymouth Operatic Society was formed in 1945 and they have used the Regent Theatre for many successful performances since that time (Kerridge, p.136). Kerridge Odeon owned other venues in Greymouth including the Opera House. In the mid 1950s new projection systems for movies were introduced and eventually the medium arrived in New Zealand. Cinemascope and Wide Screen could not fit into the Opera House because of stage width problems. The Regent was on the list to have a new screen and projectors but at that time Amalgamated Theatres were the only ones changing to 'scope' and as they did not have a theatre on the West Coast, it seemed the West Coast would miss out. At that time the Regent Theatre in Hokitika was screening Cinemascope to many people and a large number travelled from Greymouth for this new experience. About six months later the Opera House got a new screen to show Cinemascope movies. When it was destroyed by fire on Sunday February 9, 1958, it was replaced with the St. James. In the meantime while the new St. James was being built, cinema was given a new focus at the Greymouth Regent. The first movie screened under the new policy was 'High Society' which starred the late Grace Kelly (Kennedy, T. p. 28). The Regent appears to have continued to have good patronage through until at least the 1960s (Kennedy, p28). Locals saw the Regent as having "class", with an option of "de-luxe seating" (two front rows of the circle which were slightly dearer than the ordinary circle seats and had more leg-room. (Kennedy, p28). Many locals had "permanent reserves", that is, the same seat in the same row every Friday and Saturday night for years (Kennedy, p28). In the 1950s and 1960s dances were held after the movies. Movies were even shown on Sunday evenings at 8.30pm after church services were over (Kennedy, p28). Over time there was a decline in theatre and cinema attendance. Pub opening hours were extended from the late 1950s and television arrived in the 1960s, which proved to be competition to the theatre-cinema. The Kerridge Odeon Corporation consolidated its activities on the St James in Greymouth - a purpose built cinema it could run much more efficiently than the Regent. They wanted to cease use of the Regent and their proviso that no cinematography be allowed in the building in the short term future limited the possibilities of the Regent Theatre as a viable entertainment centre (Chairperson's address, Sept 1996). Eventually the Regent appears to have closed. In 1972 the Regent Theatre was sold to Matai Industries backed by the Norman Kirk's government and fronted by Kevin Meates. Matai Industries used the building as a factory warehouse for 3 years. At this time they stripped much of the interior fittings and removed the seating, but left the decorative features intact. In the 1970s an enthusiastic group of locals formed the West Coast Theatre Trust and put forward their own money to purchase the theatre building in 1975. They then arranged major refurbishment work to restore the theatre's condition and enable it to be used for live shows. In 1987 the cinema component was also reintroduced, enabling the theatre to revert back to its original theatre-cinema function. The theatre is now a multi-use facility for live shows, films, conferences and leased office space. Additionally, part of the foyer incorporates the Greymouth Information Centre.

BUILDER: Mr W Williamson of Christchurch was the contractor who carried out the architectural plans and Mr LL Miles of Wellington was the clerk of works. Mr Henry J Dreyfeldt of Wellington was the Theatre Decorator and Mr WL Whittington of Christchurch was the electrical engineer contractor. The plastering contractor was EJ Hatherley of Christchurch and Ayling and King from Christchurch installed the heating and ventilation. Ballantynes of Christchurch supplied the interior decorations of the Theatre (Greymouth Evening Star, February 19, 1935). BUILDING FORM: The exterior of the building is an interpretation of Art Deco, a style associated with glamour, stylishness and modernity. It employs clean simple lines and a bas relief decoration using geometric shapes. The front part of the building has windows on 3 levels. It is concrete plaster painted white and has relief decoration of simple geometric lines. The other elevations are red brick and have minimal fenestration. Planning: The building is composed of 5 main elements: 1. Foyer area, which includes the rental space for the Information Centre and the main ticket office; 2.The Theatre auditorium, and the Theatre back stage which includes the fly tower and dressing rooms; 3. Projection room on upper floor at the front of the theatre; 4.Commercial office space, on the North side of the building (currently being leased by Bernina Sewing Centre and Muritai Training Centre Centre. 5. 'Trowbridge Room', recent addition to Theatre (on the north side) which is used predominantly for smaller functions (please refer to photographs attached and floor plans that identify the 5 elements) There still remains a large amount of the original Art Deco furnishings in the main auditorium, for example lighting and detailed wall panels (please refer to attached photographs). CURRENT PYSICAL CONDITION: Generally well maintained. Some major work needed to repair leaks in the roof and for earthquake strengthening.