Boos for lord mayor’s Regent Theatre sell-off plan

Ipswich’s historic Regent Theatre could be sold off as part of a £300 million redevelopment of the town centre

The proposal by Ipswich Borough Council would see the theatre – which opened in 1932 – become a hotel as part of a wider regeneration of the Cornhill area.

The council says the plans would create 1,000 jobs but theatre bosses have warned the proposals could result in the “loss of a cultural facility” in the town.

The proposals have been met with a mixed reaction from the public

Some residents have welcomed the plans, saying they would bring much-needed investment to the town centre.

Others have expressed concerns about the potential loss of the theatre, which is a popular venue for shows and concerts.

The council is expected to make a decision on the proposals later this year

In the meantime, a petition has been launched to save the theatre, which has already attracted more than 2,000 signatures.

The theatre is owned by Ipswich Borough Council, which is responsible for its upkeep.

The council says it is committed to “protecting the theatre’s heritage” and that any sale would be subject to a number of conditions, including a requirement for the new owner to maintain the theatre’s historic features.

However, theatre bosses have warned that the sale could result in the loss of a “cultural facility” in the town.

They say the theatre is a “vital part of the community” and that its loss would be a “great blow” to Ipswich.

The council is expected to make a decision on the proposals later this year.

In the meantime, a petition has been launched to save the theatre, which has already attracted more than 2,000 signatures.