Plans have been put forward to turn a derelict cinema site into accommodation. 

The iconic Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis has been empty for the past seven years after a fire destroyed the auditorium back in 2016. 

The art-deco cinema on Broad Street is a Grade II-listed building which first opened its doors on October 11, 1937. 

It was owned and operated by Scott's Cinemas from 1973 and had recently been restored with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund when, in March 2016, the majority of the building was destroyed by a devastating fire.

It's remained empty ever since, and according to a planning application, Scott's Cinema claims it's been unable to produce a proposal to redevelop the site in a viable way. 

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The company sold it to a 'local owner', who has enlisted Mackenzie Wheeler to investigate 'developmental options' for the site. 

Originally, in 2021, during the first pre-application stage, two options were devised with one being a hotel. These plans were deemed unviable due to the high level of parking provision that would've been required for a hotel to operate. 

A smaller scheme has been put forward for two four-five bedroom homes and a three bedroom maisonette plus open 'undercroft' parking. It also seeks to create two retail units on the ground flood. 

As reported by the News, the front part of the ground floor was given a new lease of life by Black Cow, who launched a vodka bar late last year. The upper floors remain derelict.

Documents state the cinema site is seen as 'unusual' and 'challenging' as developers will have to deal with two distinct parts of the cinema building at the front, and former auditorium to the rear. 

The site of the projection room at 2nd floor level, now derelict, will be integrated into the 2nd floor extension of the residential accommodation within the front building.

The entire three-storey curved rear wall of the auditorium is set to be retained, with its original construction and projection openings exposed within the stairwell of the new houses to the rear.

Original side walls will also be retained, and after following heritage advice, the refurbishment internally will see the existing staircase, staircase window and other historic features retained.