Hackney-based Castle Cinema said it would “absolutely love” to run the two-screen art-deco Regal when it opens next year, reports Marco Marcelline
The independent filmhouse Castle Cinema has confirmed it has submitted a bid to run the new two‑screen cinema planned to open late next year in Highams Park.
In a public statement, the operator said it had been in discussions Regal Cinema developer Mammoth Capital about “bringing [its] passion for community cinema” to the venue.
The Regal, in Hale End Road, is currently being rebuilt into 33 flats, a café bar and a restored art‑deco cinema frontage. Construction began in early 2026 and is on track to finish in autumn 2027, according to Waltham Forest Council. Two 80 to 90 seat screens are planned, with opening hours from 8am to midnight.
The Echo understands that Castle Cinema is among a number of cinema operators that have expressed interest in running the screens when they open. Mammoth Capital is however yet to finalise and agree a lease with an operator.
Castle Cinema said: “With the recent news that the building’s redevelopment is on track for Autumn 2027, our inbox has been overflowing with residents asking if we’ll be involved, we can confirm that we would absolutely love to join the Highams Park community, and we’ve submitted a bid to operate the cinema.
“Our vision is to bring the same community spirit, curated film programme, and welcoming bar space that we pride ourselves on in Hackney.
“The selection process is ongoing, and whilst we are incredibly hopeful we know these things take time.”
Speaking in March, councillor Rosalind Doré, cabinet member for culture, libraries, sport and leisure, said: “We are thrilled that works have begun on The Regal, a local landmark for many Highams Parkers.
“There continues to be strong interest from cinema operators in opening a new cinema in Highams Park. The site owner will be responsible for marketing the space and agreeing the lease with a cinema operator, with the council assisting by promoting the opportunity to interested operators and securing the best offer for Highams Park residents and the town centre.”
The building opened in 1911 as the Highams Park Electric Theatre and was renamed The Regal Cinema in 1935 when it was partially rebuilt with an art-deco style facade, a new entrance foyer, and a cafe.
The Regal Cinema closed on 11th September 1963 and has since been used as a bingo hall, snooker hall, bar and nightclub before it was left vacant in 2015.
Similar to the Regal, the two-screen Castle Cinema was previously one of London’s original art-deco cinemas until it shut in 1958.
A 2016 Kickstarter campaign successfully generated funding to renovate the building and reopen it as a working cinema, eventually opening to the public in February 2017.
The venue mainly screens new releases but puts particular emphasis on independent films, world cinema, and documentaries. It also shows live events and theatre broadcasts.
Alongside its regular programme, the Castle Cinema runs events including Pitchback Playback – album‑listening sessions held in the dark – and Ciné‑Real, a 16mm film night hosted by projectionist Ümit Mesut and director Liam Saint‑Pierre.
Keep up to date with the Castle Cinema’s bid here
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