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Uploaded on: November 16, 2024

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Statement of Significance - The former Western Theatre is of local historical and architectural significance. It was the longest serving cinema in Brunswick, and remains the most intact of all Brunswick’s former cinemas.

Architecturally, it is a typical 1920s composition of classical elements with an unusual parapet which reflects the profile of the cinema roof behind.

Physical Description - The former Western Theatre is a two storey rendered brick building. The cinema section, to the rear has a shallow barrel-vaulted roof over the actual cinema; the line of the parapet reflects the roof profile.

A delicate curved moulding on the face of this parapet once contained the name of the cinema. The two storey front section housing the cinema foyer and two shopfronts has a first floor facade of three bays separated by paired pilasters.

Each bay contains paired multi-paned double-hung sash windows, the central pair with a bracketed moulded head. The lower parapet above these windows has a very shallow curved pediment with a narrow cornice and frieze. The entrance to the cinema is a shallow basket arch opening flanked by attached columns between masonry piers. The bank of entrance doors appears to be original, the doors timber-framed. Two shopfronts complete the composition.

On either side of the main entrance is small shop which forms part of the original building. The northern shop is the more intact. Key Architectural Elements: prominent siting in the streetscape

Conservation Guidelines: preferably remove awning and replace with one of original or sympathetic design repair render remove obtrusive flue from facade and repair parapet / restore street level facade / reinstate original name to parapet

Principal Historic Themes: association with provision of entertainment and recreation facilities post-war migration

This place/object may be included in the Victorian Heritage Register pursuant to the Heritage Act 2017. Check the Victorian Heritage Database, selecting ‘Heritage Victoria’ as the place source.

For further details about Heritage Overlay places, contact the relevant local council or go to Planning Schemes.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -