Rex Theatre building now a 'creative space' for events

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 25): The old Rex Theatre building has now metamorphosed into REXKL, a creative space for entrepreneurs and artistes.

According to a report by the website SAYS.com, the transformation of the old Kuala Lumpur building is being “spearheaded” by architects Shin Tseng and Shin Chang.

They have also roped in famous architect Ng Sek San, another architect Kamil Merican and creative director Joseph Foo as advisers.

*Befitting heritage status for old house

"It will have space for events, screenings, performances, exhibitions, retail and F&B outlets," Tseng told the website.

"We are approaching the refurbishment of the building thoughtfully and in respect to its original built and intention.

"Most of the work that we will do, involves making good of its amenities, returning the building's functionality, putting in fittings, and creating new pockets of community spaces within REXKL," he said.

Reports said the original building was burned down in a fire in 1972 and a new single- screen, 1,100-seat theatre was built to replace it in 1976.

According to Cinema Online, the theatre closed shop in 2002 and was converted into a hostel for backpackers. The building was gutted by another fire in 2007.

It later hosted an entertainment centre with karaoke facilities and was left to the elements before the refurbishment.

"The cinema hall was left in disuse therefore it became a hotbed of drug users and squatters," Tseng told SAYS.

But it looks like the building will now see brighter days ahead.

REXKL was launched last week on Jan 18 with the REXKL Flower Market 2019. The event will continue to take place on Jan 25 to 27 and Feb 1 to 3.