Page 12 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf
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48. Plaza Theatre Bendigo by Mike Purden
The Bendigo Plaza commenced construction on 8th September, with a finishing date set for 22nd December
1934. The Theatre shell was designed by Mr. Gordon Murphy of the architectural firm of Chris A. Cowper,
Murphy and Appleford, and was built on land leased from the Backhaus Estate (owned by the Catholic Church).
The Plaza occupies the site formally in the occupation of several shops in Mitchell Street and buildings in Bath
Lane.
The foyer at the entrance to the theatre is in Mitchell Street and the theatre building occupies the land at the
rear of the Backhaus Estate property extending along Mitchell Street from Bath Lane the depth of 25 ft from the
Hargreaves Street boundary. The theatre block has an ideal shape, as the entrance is at right angles in the
theatre proper, which makes for the efficient operating of a theatre for all purposes, giving quick service and
the shortest possible route to each individual seat.
