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•• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • ••••• ST.KILDA EAST: In early
CINEMA, THEATRE &
NEWSREEL SHOWBUSINESS NEWS ••••• December, a thief took their cinema
enthusiasm to an extreme when they
• •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• •• •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• • •• •• •• souvenired the front door handle of the
•••••
historic Astor Theatre. A reward was
offered for information leading to the
return of the 1936 artefact.
WANGARATTA: The former
(1958) Skyline Drive-In Theatre
property is currently being offered for
sale for industrial use. The 13.5 acre
site has been used as a scrap/yard/
recycling centre since 1999 and now
houses a number of large industrial
buildings.

VICTORIA GEELONG: The former (1924)
Regent Theatre building has recently
BRUNSICK: The (1911) Lyric been on the property market. Currently
Theatre building was de-roofed in leased as retail space, the site is also
December as work gets underway to offered with vacant possession from NEW SOUTH WALES
convert the former auditorium area into June 2011 with the current tenant, The
modern apartments. For the first time in Reject Shop — on short-term lease. BIRMINGHAM GARDENS: The
years, the original (single) projection single screen (1931) Regal Cinema in
port and equipment for opening the suburban Newcastle has received a
“sliding roof” were visible. financial lifeline that could see it re-
open in 2011. The NSW Government
FOREST HILL: Hoyts re-opened
will provide funding of $141,700 under
their (1989) cinema complex on
their Community Building Partnership
December 15 after extensive
programme. The Council of the City of
refurbishment. Closed since July, the
Newcastle endorsed the re-opening of
revitalised cinemas now offer stylish
the cinema at their meeting soon after
interiors, plush seating with increased
the funding announcement. Newcastle
leg-room and digital projection.
City Council owns the building, which
ceased trading as a cinema in October
ST.KILDA: The historic (1927) 2006.
Palais Theatre is to receive a
DOUBLE BAY: Plans have now
$2.5million State Government grant to
been approved for a 150-seat rooftop
enable roof repairs and upgrading of
cinema with a retractable roof to enable
fire, electrical and stage equipment.
it to operate either open-air or enclosed.
MALVERN EAST: A three- Patrons will listen to the film
bedroom split-level apartment built soundtrack through headphones. The
within the shell of the former (1938) project is contingent on finding an
Waverley Theatre is currently on the operator with hope that it could open
CHARLTON: Drought in Victoria’s market with an asking price of by spring 2011. The site is close to the
dry Mallee region came to an abrupt $515,000. vacant Village Twin Cinema which
end in September. Massive rainfalls As the “La Luna” complex of has been closed since 2004.
caused major flooding to 80% of the shops and cafes with apartments above, GUNDAGAI: The historic
town, even making its way into the little of the art-deco theatre survived, Gundagai Theatre has been offered
historic (1938) Rex Theatre. Only apart from the auditorium shell and its for sale with an asking price of
minor damage was caused and weekend distinctive streamlined façade. $665,000. The building consists of two
screenings have resumed. ST.KILDA: After 16 years of main street shop fronts, a huge flat-
SORRENTO: The (1894) trading, Palace closed their George floored auditorium with stage, upstairs
Athenaeum Theatre has been added to Cinemas in Fitzroy Street on October 27, foyer and roof garden, balcony seating
the Victorian Heritage Register. A 2010. The complex opened in 1994 and for 180 people, rear Masonic Temple
worthy entry after nearly a century of the owner is now hoping to find a new and a large storage area.
cinema in the seaside town. lessee to re-open the four-screen site.

CINEMARECORD 2010 5