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These works are to commence in August and hopefully will be completed by December 1994. It is the owner's
intention to retain as many of the original decorative features as possible.

Over the years various companies have operated the Capitol including Civic Pictures, Warmambool Theatres
Ply. ltd., Warrnambool Amusements Ply. ltd., and local joint ventures with Village Theatres. The Span1sh
decor theme links the former Oddfellows Hall. The Warmamboot Hotel and the The Capitol Theatre (reflecting
the previous common ownership of these buildings). The Spanish terracotta tiling fitted to the parapet and
facade of the hall is at odds with its Victorian architecture.

Capitol Theatre

THE LIBERTY THEATRE:

The Liberty Theatre was located on the south side or Lava St. (between Kepler and Liebig Sts.); the site is now
occupied by the Coles New World store. The liberty was a single level building and operated from c1940 to
the late 1960'2s. It seated 722 and architecturally was a poor cousin to the Capitol. The Uberty was operated
by Warrnambool Theatres Pty. Ltd. and later by Warrnambool Amusements Ply. Ltd.

During World War 2. the Capitol, Plaza, liberty and Ritz were screening to accommodate the large numbers of
service personnel stationed In the area.

SHANDON I VILLAGE DRIVE IN:

In 1956the South Australian Shandon Drive In Theatre chain opened in Warrnambool. This company owned
by the Henderson family, built this theatre very close to the central business district in the City. The site on
Raglan Parade (Princes Highway) is currently occupied by the Calco Timber and Hardware company.

The Shandon had an initial capacity of 626 cars; this was later Increased to 800 making this Drive In the largest
in country Victoria. In later years the Drive In traded as a Village Theatre. Before its closure In ct985. this
theatre was operated by the Capitol Theatre management.

Acknowledgements: City of Warrnambool Town Hall Centenary brochure.
Warrnambool Performing Arts information brochure.
Film Weekly - various issues.
Mr. Stan Stephens- Manager/Director of the Capitol Theatre.

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