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GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

By Richard Twentyman
n Geelong, we are fortunate to have a
Iprofessionally run, technically superb Mechanics’ Institute, 1856
entertainment venue known locally as GPAC
(Geelong Performing Arts Centre). GPAC
was opened in 1981, and is comprised of the
Playhouse Theatre (745 seats over two levels),
the Drama Theatre (325 seat studio style
theatre), private meeting rooms and
dance/rehearsal studios which are also
available for hire.
But the history of this site goes back 170 years
to 2 December 1846. On that date, a public
meeting was held to investigate the possible
erection of a Mechanics' Institute building in
the town. The world's first Mechanics'
Institute was in Edinburgh, Scotland, with the
first in Victoria being established in
Melbourne in 1839 (now the Athaneum
building in Collins Street). Their purpose was
to provide technical education for working
people and professionals and, as such, usually
incorporated a substantial library. They spread
rapidly throughout Victoria wherever a hall,
library or school was needed.
On 15 November 1857, the foundation stone Between March and May 1926, there were
The first Geelong Mechanics' Institute was laid for a Temperance Hall at the corner three unsuccessful arson attacks on the
opened in 1846 at a temporary site. In 1856, a of Aitchison Place and Little Malop Street, Mechanics' Institute. A fourth attack took
new single level building was erected at immediately abutting the rear of the Steeple place early in the morning of 22 June 1926,
79 Ryrie Street, with a concert hall being Church, construction being completed in resulting in complete destruction of the
added in 1857, and a second floor being built 1859. The three buildings (Mechanics' concert hall and stage. The Argus newspaper
in around 1868. Also in 1857, the Ryrie Street Institute, Steeple Church and Temperance of June 22 reports that "Mr. E.S. Kishere, the
Presbyterian Church opened at Hall) were all located on the site of the current conductor of picture entertainment in the hall,
69 Ryrie Street, and was known as the GPAC. suffered burns to his hands whilst trying to
"Steeple Church". The congregation remained remove his biograph machine".
at this site until 1914, when they relocated to By 1914, the Mechanics' Institute concert
Aphrasia Street, Newtown to form St. David's hall was being used for lectures, live variety A new concert hall and stage were built on the
Church. The steeple of the former Church was shows and film screenings. Newspaper site, opening as the Plaza Theatre in 1928.
removed some years later, and the building advertisements in the Geelong Advertiser at This was used for both film and live
became known as the Band of Hope Building, the time announce the same films also being performances, but its use as a cinema ended
which incorporated the GAMA (Geelong screened at the West Park Theatre in West on 18 March 1939 with the screening of
Association of Music and Art) Theatre which Geelong, so film switching could well have Winterset and The Life of the Party, the
later became GPAC's Alcoa Studio. taken place. projectionist being Mr. James Fenton.

Steeple Church, c. 1920 Temperance Hall, 1859

10 CINEMARECORD # 93