The force was strong among a crowd gathered outside a long-closed cinema today – as they called for the building to be brought back into use.
A rebel alliance of about 150 people protested at the Regent in Deal, many dressed in Star Wars costumes and carrying themed signs and lightsabers.
Star Wars fans gathered outside the Regent in Deal to call for the cinema’s return.Picture: Chris Mansfield
Banners reading “Reopen the Regent” were raised outside the boarded-up entrance, while others carried placards saying “More popcorn, less rot” and “May the force be with us”.
The demonstration was organised by campaign group Reopen the Regent following the collapse of plans to redevelop the site.
Chairman Fay Franklin told KentOnline it was a “wonderful turnout” on May 4 – known as Star Wars Day.
“Everyone from little kids to seniors came along, many in amazing Star Wars costumes,” she said.
“All the traffic going by was beeping us in support.”
Star Wars actor Jack Mackenzie Picture: Mowblie
The event also drew support from Star Wars actor Jack McKenzie, a Deal resident who appeared in The Empire Strikes Back.
Ms Franklin said: “That was very exciting, to have somebody who actually acted with Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher supporting what we’re doing.”
Campaigners say the building has been left to deteriorate since closing in 2008.
A proposal submitted in August 2024 by site owner James Wallace to demolish the building and replace it with a new two-screen cinema and nine townhouses was later dropped after Dover District Council (DDC) said more information was needed.
Under the eye-catching scheme, the Art Deco-style facade of the original building would have been replicated.
Around 150 people attended the protest, many dressed in Star Wars costumes. Picture: Chris Mansfield
However, the plans faced strong opposition from Historic England and Save Britain’s Heritage. Both groups raised concerns over how tearing down the former cinema would impact the Middle Street Conservation Area, which was the first to be designated in the county.
The application passed its determination deadline before being formally disposed of earlier this year.
Ms Franklin says the building was sold in April 2011 “with the proviso that it would be a cinema again”.
Campaigners are frustrated that no progress has been made in the 15 years since.
Ms Franklin says the group is continuing to push for action, adding: “We hope the message will go out that there are lots and lots of people who are passionate about the Regent and about film in Deal. We need a cinema.”
Protesters held signs including “Reopen the Regent” outside the boarded-up building. Picture: Chris Mansfield
Reopen the Regent is calling on DDC to take further action, including forcing repairs to the building or considering a compulsory purchase order.
Campaigners say they will continue to hold events until a clear plan is put forward for the future of the site.
Last month, a DDC spokesperson told KentOnline: “We recently met with representatives of Reopen the Regent to discuss their ongoing concerns regarding the use and condition of the building.
“We are not aware of any new proposals for the future of this privately-owned site following the final disposal of the planning application.”