The Regal

Highams Park, East London

Cinema Back at The Regal

Clear Architects is very proud to have achieved planning consent for a scheme to give The Regal Highams Park a new lease of life. The sympathetic yet modern design utilises the stunning 1930s facade of the original building. A pre-application submission in 2015 grew from 1 small cinema screen and 9 flats to the redevelopment of the entire site, to propose a thriving complex with 2 cinema screens, a restaurant and 30 apartments.

Overview

The original cinema closed in 1971, and what was once a beautiful Art Deco building became dilapidated. Reinstating The Regal became pivotal to the continued regeneration programme in Highams Park.

Clear was selected as a London Architect. Our proposal included a rooftop extension and apartment building adjacent to the site, with a contemporary interpretation that would become a landmark for the town.

Taking its design ethos from the original facade of the building, emphasis was given to brick detailing, verticality of window placement and the use of aqua green.

A stunning 2-storey roof extension would provide additional accommodation, principally formed of glass, with an aqua ‘Metallic Veil’ (metal mesh cladding), draped around the extension, acting as a curtain to provide privacy for the occupiers.

Built around a central atrium, residential accommodation would be accessed via a series of sky landings that would flood the apartments with light.

A simple selection of red ‘Regal’ bricks, white glazed brick, polished white concrete walkways and white metal balustrades were proposed to continue the Art Deco theme.

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The central lift, with its silver metallic veil, was incorporated to complement the roof extension.

The idea of sky landings came from Melanie Clear’s work on the famous and iconic Burberry Building.

Preserve an iconic building
Complete refurbishment of existing Art Deco external structure
Encapsulate the period with brick detailing, verticality of window placement and use of aqua green
Luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, some with feature glass balconies
High quality interior detailing
A bank of photovoltaic cells (solar panels) to the roof to reduce CO2 emissions
Introduction of a metallic veil as a design feature and practical solution for occupants’ privacy
Spaces cleverly lit through punched holes in the fabric
Full height Art Deco windows and doors to facade