Who owns the Regent?

A The freehold of the Regent was sold to James Wallace and Mark Digweed in 2011 by Dover District Council. They paid the low price of £385,000 on the understanding the building was restored to a cinema, which is controlled by a covenant. It is held under the name TM Trustees.

Why do DDC keep objecting to the owners’ plans?

A They don’t. After a monumental struggle between Deal residents, DDC and the owners, plans were finally approved in July 2019. A cinema and restaurant with no residential element was the result. See the plans here. Sadly, these plans have now been withdrawn and it’s back to square one.

Is the building listed?

A At the moment, no. We have secured it as an Asset of Community Value, which gives it some protection. The trouble is that we don't know what condition the original Pavilion building is in. Clearly the front addition of 1933 is in a very bad state and needs urgent attention. Whether anything can be saved of the glass and iron structure behind is not known and becomes less likely with each passing year of neglect.

Why is it taking so long to develop?

A That's the million-dollar question. Popular misconception is that the Council are holding things up, but in reality it's the owners who have been stalling. Others believe the owners can't afford to do the work, but if that's the case they could simply sell it on to someone who can (offers have been made and rejected).