Councillors agree to rename Regal

The former cinema theatre on Carlton Road, known affectionately as The Regal, will now be called The Soundwave Arts Centre.

Bassetlaw councillors last week voted in favour of the change put forward by Young Potential, who currently use the facility.

Centre manager Paul Seaman said the new name will reflect more accurately what the building is now used for.

“The building is delivering training in the arts and personal development and the name reflects the building’s activities,” he said.

“Although we still put on a wide variety of shows and music performances the main focus of our work is the training of young people and vulnerable adults in personal development and resilience training, music, drama and arts.”

He said by rebranding the centre, it would help inform the wider public about what happens within its four walls.

“The group felt that the new name is more exciting and fitting with the activities happening within the building,” he said.

The Regal was built as a dance hall for the miners welfare. Throughout the last century it served as a cinema and theatre providing education, entertainment and a place to go for generations.

It fell into disrepair but a public outcry sparked new interest in the centre and it reopened. It was officially renamed as The Circle in September 2006.

“We have considered changing the name back to The Regal but through the workshops and discussions with the public we discovered that most people think the centre is still called The Regal and that the name is synonymous with a council run entertainment programme, the showing of films and not offering arts related training,” added Mr Seaman.

“We still on a regular basis get enquiries about film showings.”

Portfolio holder for community prosperity, councillor David Pressley, however, objected to it being renamed.

“I am certainly not in favour of the change proposed for this historic building which should revert to its original name, The Regal, as everyone in Worksop still calls it,” he stated prior to the meeting.

“I therefore wish to register my objection as one of the ward members to this proposal.”

Coun Pressley was unavailable to comment further as the Guardian went to press.