Built in 1929, the Regent Theatre quickly endeared itself to the people of Melbourne . It was a warm and welcoming place where people from all over would gather. It quickly became known as Melbourne 's ‘ Palace of Dreams'.

The Plaza Ballroom opened two months after the Regent Theatre and was the first theatre to open in Australia in the era of sound films and was billed as the “world's most wonderful motion picture theatre”.

Disaster struck in April, 1945, when fire almost destroyed the Regent Theatre. The Plaza survived and a temporary seal was constructed over the Plaza, allowing it to reopen seven months later in November. With the fire taking place at the end of the war there was a shortage of building materials and labour for its reconstruction, however, the Regent was transformed from its post fire, miserable state, to glory again by 1947.

Good movies became a rarity at the Regent from the mid sixties and soon it was obvious that exhibitors considered that the big picture palaces had seen their day. Sadly in July, 1970, the Regent closed its doors with the Plaza following in November.

In December 1970, anything that was not bolted down was auctioned off, raising a grand total of $35,000.00. And so began the dark days of the Regent Theatre.

Demolition, Car Park, Tabaret - These were some of the possible options the Regent and Plaza faced in the 24 years it sat unused however the people of Melbourne stood firm. They wanted the Regent to remain.

Work began on the Regent and Plaza in 1994 and on opening night on the 17 th August, 1996 , everyone in the crowd was swept back in time. The Regent and the Plaza had been returned to their former glory days.

The Regent Theatre was now equipped to house the most technically sophisticated international stage productions.

The Plaza Ballroom was restored to the very use Francis Thring had conceived for it. The Plaza would become a spectacular ballroom and function venue.

Finally, the Regent and the Plaza Ballroom, two of Melbourne 's splendid and most loved venues have been returned to the people.