Designed in 1929 by Charles Hollinshed of Sydney, the theatre complex was officially opened to the public on 4 July 1930.

[1][2] Its original use was as a cinema and opera house, but, with the decline of the movie over the decades, the Regent closed in 1991.

[citation needed] The Palmerston North City Council acquired the building in 1992 by swapping it with the previous owner for the Opera House.

The staircase leading up to the mezzanine floor is carpeted in the centre, with marble on the sides.

[citation needed] Some of the downstairs seating can be removed for functions such as dinners and ballroom dancing.