by Beth Easton

Deal’s iconic Regent Bingo Hall could be transformed into a cinema that the town can be proud of if early talks between hopeful tenderers and Dover District Council are fruitful.

Former Deal actor George Wood said the plans are in the early stages but could lead to something “really exciting”.

He has joined forces with his sister Emily Wood and her husband and business partner, TV presenter Paul Hendy, in putting a case to the district council.

Mr Wood is the owner of the popular The Screen on The Green outdoor cinema at Richborough and Walmer castles and St Augustine’s Abbey at Canterbury.

He said: “It’s pretty clear to anyone who lives in Deal that the town needs a cinema. I’ve always thought the Regent was wasted as a bingo hall.”

The art deco hall and former cinema in Beach Street is owned by the council and has stood empty since it closed its doors in January due to falling numbers of bingo players.

District council cabinet members have recommended the cinema proposal as the preferred offer relating to the building’s future, and talks have been arranged with the prospective tenderers in the coming weeks.

It has been the subject of an artistic spruce-up, with artist Penny Bearman and her daughter Lucy Somers painting pictures on its doors to help brighten the recession-hit town.

Mr Wood said the success of The Screen on The Green this summer inspired him to set up a permanent cinema, and he hopes his local knowledge means he understands public opinion of what should become of the historical Regent building.

He said: “We’ve got a plan of what we want to do with it. The big problem is that it needs a lot of work. It’s got the makings of a fantastic building.

“Opinion seems to be unanimous – every single person I’ve spoken to about it recognises there’s a great demand for good films and a good cinema,” he added.