One of Wollongong's most treasured buildings, the historic Regent Theatre, has changed hands.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However, the identity of the new owners remains a mystery, at least for the time being.
Built in 1957, the art deco inspired building has been one of Wollongong's most iconic properties, being home to film screenings, theatre and live music.
Selling agent Travis Machan of MMJ Wollongong said the Keira Street site was recently sold off-market.
He said it had been bought by a Wollongong and Sydney-based "consortium of professionals that have experience with this type of venue".
Mr Machan said they were unable to disclose the identity of the new owners and sale price at the moment, as confidentiality agreements had been signed.
Mr Machan said the new owners, to be announced publicly in the "coming weeks or months", wanted to "open this back up to the public and to the city, to be utilised as a venue".
He said what type of venue it would be had not been finalised, but said various options were being explored.
Gateway City Church (now known as Awaken Church) bought the 1200-seat theatre for $3.5 million in 2005, then spent $1 million on improvements, also turning the space into an occasional live music venue.
In mid-2018, it was announced heavyweight live entertainment organisation Century Venues would explore the option of purchasing and restoring the Regent Theatre.
Century was considering "revitalising" the Regent, having taken out an option on the site.
However, the church's pastor Scott Hanzy said it was "disappointing" when the prospective sale fell through at the last minute in 2019.
Pastor Hanzy said the church had outgrown the venue, and due to their expanding numbers and changing needs, they now needed a building that will accommodate their kids' and youth programs.
The church will be vacating the venue next February.
"Between now and then we'll be looking for somewhere to lease... And right from the get-go start planning for a build," he said.
"We really want to build a community-type centre, rather than a church building, something that is utilised by the community."
In 2016, the owners of the building painted the beloved landmark olive green, after heritage investigations confirmed this was the facade's original colour.
"It's an amazing building, amazing position," Pastor Hanzy said.
"There's a lot of sad people, and a lot of memories."
The building was previously placed on the market in October 2009, in a surprise sale bid that came to nothing.
The main building and facade are listed under state heritage significance.
