The venue finally closed in 1996 and whilst on the market, it fell into serious disrepair due to abandonment and vandalism. Whilst the interior has been drastically altered over the years, the street facade remained intact and is Heritage listed.
And so the Midnight Star returns to its seemingly-eternal slumber, waiting for a new set of idealistic developers to take another crack. The Strathfield Council has welcomed attempts to get something happening here, but only if the community at large receives some benefit.
Personally, I think the community would benefit from a return of the theatre restaurant format. Come on, who doesn’t like to be entertained while eating, especially by dodgy panto? Get Dirty Dick on the phone! Homebush would learn to laugh again, instead of sinking further into bleak, oppressive hopelessness. It’s not a good look - The words of Michael Wayne
This site, on Parramatta Road at Homebush, is notable for several reasons, but today we’ll be looking at this structure – the Midnight Star Reception Centre. The history is long and colourful: it was built as the Homebush Cinema in 1925, and the initials HT are still prominent above the awning - The words of Michael Wayne
Located in the inner city north Melbourne district of Fitzroy North. The Merri Theatre was opened on 5th February 1926. By 1946 it was operated by Hoyts Theatres. At this point Hoyts erected a large Hoyts neon sign that would preside over St Georges Road. They closed it on 20th June 1959 and it has since been demolished.
Photo - Vanuatu Memories - The Cinema Pacifique in 1960s/70s prior to it being torn down. It was the famous theatre house in town then. This is where the VNPF building is now.
The venue finally closed in 1996 and whilst on the market, it fell into serious disrepair due to abandonment and vandalism. Whilst the interior has been drastically altered over the years, the street facade remained intact and is Heritage listed.
And so the Midnight Star returns to its seemingly-eternal slumber, waiting for a new set of idealistic developers to take another crack. The Strathfield Council has welcomed attempts to get something happening here, but only if the community at large receives some benefit.
Personally, I think the community would benefit from a return of the theatre restaurant format. Come on, who doesn’t like to be entertained while eating, especially by dodgy panto? Get Dirty Dick on the phone! Homebush would learn to laugh again, instead of sinking further into bleak, oppressive hopelessness. It’s not a good look - The words of Michael Wayne
This site, on Parramatta Road at Homebush, is notable for several reasons, but today we’ll be looking at this structure – the Midnight Star Reception Centre. The history is long and colourful: it was built as the Homebush Cinema in 1925, and the initials HT are still prominent above the awning - The words of Michael Wayne
1 exterior, colour, 1997, courtesy of Graeme Bertrand
1 exterior, colour, 1997, courtesy of Graeme Bertrand
1 exterior, colour, 1986, courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo - Courtesy of Max D. Bell - 1980
Photo - Courtesy of Max D. Bell - 1980
Photo - Courtesy of Max D. Bell - 1980
Located in the inner city north Melbourne district of Fitzroy North. The Merri Theatre was opened on 5th February 1926. By 1946 it was operated by Hoyts Theatres. At this point Hoyts erected a large Hoyts neon sign that would preside over St Georges Road. They closed it on 20th June 1959 and it has since been demolished.
Photo - 1 exterior, b&w, 1978, Max Bell,
Photo courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo courtesy of Max Bell
Photo courtesy of Max Bell
Photo courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo - Vanuatu Memories - The Cinema Pacifique in 1960s/70s prior to it being torn down. It was the famous theatre house in town then. This is where the VNPF building is now.
Photo courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo - Courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo courtesy of Roy Mudge
Photo courtesy of Roy Mudge
Yes Robert Hatfield was a Pioneer Picture Show Man. A Showman of great vision who loved our industry. Someone we remember with respect. Greg Lynch -
The photo above shows the Regent theatre bio-box Melbourne - later the projectors were transferred to the National St Kilda.