22 April 2020

Photos 20 September 2019

Repost 2020: Pretty crazy but there it is in the middle of #BourkeStreet. The 1969 #HoytsCinemaCentre was designed by Sydney based #PeterMullerArchitect; vertical piers on the sides, some leaning-in solid bits too – vs the main leaning out volume, the #upsidedownpagoda (not a pagoda but it does have an oriental feel). It was our first #multiplex, with 3 screens, later 4, and had nice interiors, especially the lobbies, which had many levels and balconies, all concrete with toothed edges, and lots of timber, incl a great timber chandelier. There was a ‘family restaurant’ around that atrium, you ordered by phone, it was thrilling as a kid in the 70s ! It was always a bit outside the mainstream of architectural trends, so though well liked, through the 80s and 90s it wasn’t amongst the modernist icons that got heritage listed. The exterior was painted cream and the interior was mucked around and painted and the chandelier had been replaced, so after it closed in 2005, nobody cared much that it was all gutted in 2008 – I had conversations with the new owners but nothing was saved accept the concrete edging of the atrium. They also added a balcony out front and put big windows in. And then only a few years later in 2014 the whole thing went on the #VictorianHeritageRegister ! My photos then one from John Jovic, then old images from @library_vic and cinema treasures website.

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