PEOPLE can see for themselves the strides made by the team regenerating Evesham’s Regal Cinema by attending an open day.

Work continues apace at the cinema in Port Street, Bengeworth, as developers Lumiere Kinesis continue to restore the venue to its former glory.

Major structural work on the building began at the beginning of November after funding was secured in October.

Now in its fifth week, the project is well under way, with all the seats stripped out of the auditorium, windows removed for restoration and a lift being installed to allow for disabled access.

Keen cinema-goers are being given the chance to take a closer look at the project by stepping inside the Regal at the first in a planned series of open days, on Sunday, December 19, starting at 10am.

Manager of the restoration programme Laurence Wiper said he hoped for a good turnout. “It is a great chance for people to come along and have a look at what we have been doing as well as what we have planned for the future,” he said.

“They can see how we have progressed and offer their help if they wish to as we still need the help and goodwill of volunteers to ensure the project continues smoothly. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors.”

Despite freezing conditions, the project is on schedule. The art deco ceiling at the Regal is being restored, Ecover has provided cleaning equipment to remove ‘about 50 years of nicotine’ from the walls and an on-site coffee shop is expected to open early next year.

The Regal’s ‘friend’ scheme is continuing. For more information about how to support the project, visit theregal.ac.