Heritage sections of Albury's Regent Cinemas including some which have been unused for decades, will be redeveloped under plans submitted to council for approval.
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The project, estimated to cost close to $2 million, incorporates the refurbishment of the main entry, Cinema One ground floor and upper gallery and upper heritage foyer.
The ground floor stalls in Cinema One have fallen into disrepair due to their non-use for a lengthy period.
Seating presently used in the upper gallery is considered outdated and too small and uncomfortable by modern standards.
Earlier refurbishments to the heritage foyer covered up external windows, obscuring the original character of the space, and where possible will be restored.
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The development application for the works have been submitted to Albury Council by MHPD Architects on behalf of cinema owner, Tony Smith.
"This proposal represents a unique opportunity to provide a new lease of life to Cinema One and the foyer spaces while at the same time respecting and restoring the items of heritage value," the application states.
Plans also include reinstating the original ticket box under entry stairs in order to allow for re-use of ground floor cinema areas.
Ground floor unused chairs will be removed and replaced with double couches with seating for 100 people.
Upper balcony seating will be reduced from 500 to 306 with the installation of more modern chairs.
"The Regent Cinemas will continue to operate as it has in the past," the application states.
"The project will improve the cinema going experience and will only have a positive effect on community facilities and amenities.
"There will be no change to the exterior of the Regent Cinemas.
"Internally, the proposed amendments are intended to be done in a sensitive manner so as to respect the existing and current heritage value of the building."
The Dean Street complex opened in 1927 and initially comprised a single theatre, dressing rooms, two seating levels and a roof garden.
It has grown to nine cinema screens including the addition of "Gold Class" spaces in 2006 and 2015.
In 2010, the cinema was assessed as being of local heritage significance to Albury and included in the Dean Street Conservation Area.
