With Invercargill’s block between Dee, Esk, Kelvin and Tay streets now a construction site which you can see right through, it seems like a time to reflect on past demolitions.

Such as the Regent Theatre on Dee Street, which had been one of a few older theatres on Dee street and the back two-thirds came down in 2000, leaving the Dee Street frontage. Now tenanted by a church group.

– Advertise on whatsoninvers.nz –

These photos were taken from inside the construction site of the almost fully demolished Regent Theatre. In the ruined state captured in these pictures one can admire the detail, craftsmanship and grandeur in how the theatre would have looked and been presented. Unfortunately there was no future for many of these older theatres as the industry modernized and went towards having more simple and functional multi cinema theatres.

– Advertise on whatsoninvers.nz –

Today a second hand shop operates in the former foyer of the Regent Theatre on the west side of Dee street.

Photo credit: Jeff Ross.

Flashback Friday: Regent Theatre In Ruins

Recommended for you