Team Wood will save Melbourne’s iconic Regent Theatre

Melbourne’s Regent Theatre is far more than just a building – it’s a cultural jewel that has stood at the heart of our city’s artistic landscape for nearly a century. 

Cr Nick Reece’s proposal to sell the City of Melbourne’s 51 per cent stake in the theatre is a shortsighted move that risks losing a key part of what makes Melbourne renowned on the world stage.

The proposed sale, valued between $40 million and $50 million, claims to fund new arts initiatives. However, this strategy overlooks the long-term value of the Regent itself.

Melbourne’s thriving arts scene should be supported through a responsible city budget, not by selling off one of our most iconic landmarks.

The Regent Theatre is not just a financial asset, it’s the artistic heart of Melbourne, a venue that has hosted everything from ballets to internationally acclaimed musicals like The Lion King, Wicked, and Moulin Rouge. Selling it risks losing that heart forever.

While it’s argued that the theatre’s heritage protections will ensure it remains a performance space, history suggests otherwise. Private ownership can lead to diminished public access and even the potential repurposing of the venue.

The Regent Theatre narrowly escaped demolition in the 1970s due to a determined public campaign. If sold today, there’s no guarantee it will be preserved for future generations.

If elected as Lord Mayor, I will ensure the Regent Theatre remains in public hands. My team will invest in Melbourne’s vibrant arts community through sound financial management, not reckless fire sales.

We must protect our city’s cultural history while building its future, and the Regent Theatre is a key part of that.

Selling off our cultural treasures for short-term financial gain is not the answer. Let’s safeguard what makes Melbourne unique, ensuring that our artists, performers, and cultural institutions have the support they need without sacrificing our past. 

The Regent Theatre has survived fires, closures, and demolition threats. Now, it faces its greatest risk yet – being sold off under Cr Nick Reece’s watch. We must act to protect it.