KLH celebrate completion of landmark restoration at Ipswich Regent Theatre
KLH Architects are delighted to announce the completion of works on the £3.5 million restoration and redevelopment of the Regent Theatre, East Anglia’s largest theatre and one of Ipswich’s most treasured landmarks – a project that has already proven its success with record-breaking box office figures since reopening.
Appointed to lead the architectural restoration of the Grade II-listed building, KLH were entrusted with carefully balancing sensitive heritage conservation with modern improvements, ensuring the iconic 1920s theatre is fit for contemporary audiences while retaining its historic character.
The theatre reopened in November 2025 following the completion of the refurbishment and has since broken its box office record, with audiences flocking back to the venue for the festive pantomime, Cinderella.
Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said:
“The 2025 festive panto Cinderella has been the perfect production for celebrating the curtains coming up once again at the Ipswich Regent Theatre, and we’ve already broken the box office record.”
The project included a comprehensive redesign of the theatre’s prominent front-of-house areas, most notably the iconic canopy and foyer, alongside significant improvements to accessibility. Key historic spaces such as the curved inner foyer, known as the Crush Hall, and the first-floor Circle Lounge were also repaired and restored, with original features carefully preserved and enhanced.
Stuart Edgar, Director at KLH, said:
“This has been a hugely rewarding project for the practice, not least because the Regent Theatre is such a well-known and much-loved building in our hometown of Ipswich. Many of our team are regular visitors, so this was a project that felt particularly close to our hearts.
“We are incredibly proud of the finished result and delighted to see the theatre reopen on schedule — and to see audiences returning in such numbers is a real testament to the success of the project.”
Originally opened in 1929 as a ‘cine-variety hall’, the Regent was one of the first theatres in the UK to screen films with sound. Over the decades it has served many roles, including cinema, restaurant and dance hall, before returning to use as a theatre in the 1990s under the ownership of Ipswich Borough Council.
KLH first became involved with the building in 2013, completing the initial phase of front-of-house design works. In 2018, the practice was reappointed for phase two, which included restoring original ceilings, constructing additional toilet facilities and further improving access throughout the building.
Following a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, the project progressed into back-of-house development in 2022. This phase focused on improving performers’ facilities, delivering new dressing rooms and a revitalised green room. Back-of-house works were completed in 2023, with Needham Market-based contractors Mixbrow appointed in early 2025 to deliver the final phase of the scheme.
The full renovation was completed in November 2025, with the theatre reopening without delay.
Accessibility has been central to the design approach throughout the project. Improvements include a redesigned ramped entrance showcasing the Regent’s ‘wall of fame’, as well as a new extension providing lift access to the Circle Lounge, ensuring the theatre is more welcoming and inclusive for all patrons.
The refurbishment was funded through a levy on ticket prices, representing a long-term investment in the future of the Regent Theatre.
Councillor Jane Riley added:
“This redevelopment is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive space that celebrates the Regent’s rich history while meeting the needs of today’s audiences. We’re excited to deliver a theatre experience that Ipswich can be proud of for generations to come.”
KLH Architects are proud to have played a key role in safeguarding, restoring and enhancing one of Suffolk’s most important cultural buildings — a venue now thriving once again at the heart of the town.
Photo Credits – Ipswich Borough Council
