Circle Theatre

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Hoyts Circle Theatre Leake Street, Essendon, VIC

Statement of Significance by the Heritage Council Victoria

What is significant? The former New Essendon Picture Theatre (later known as the New or Hoyts Circle Cinema), to the extent of the c.1925 fabric as designed by Dossetor & Frew is significant. Significant fabric of the building comprises the surviving original detailing of the upper level facade, the external walls and roof profile.

Non-original alterations and additions are not significant.

How is it significant? The former New Essendon theatre (exterior) is locally significant aesthetically, historically and socially to the City of Moonee Valley and locality of Essendon.

Why is it significant? Historically, it is one of three surviving early 20th century picture theatres in the City that represent the era when picture theatres were a major social gathering place for the community, and one of two theatres that reflect the significant high-point of cinema growth in the decade after World War I. (Criterion A)

It is aesthetically significant for its street facade, with its distinctive tall-arched fenestration, that is not seen in any other major contemporary commercial building in the City and evocative of early 20th century picture theatre design. (Criterion E)

It is socially significant for its use as a picture theatre for over a 40 year period and the newspaper articles that describe the central role it played in public life for residents of Essendon and those as far afield as Broadmeadows, particularly in the 1920s-30s for its use as a reception centre with potential social significance to the wider community. (Criterion G)- Contributed by Greg Lynch -