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radio and TV broadcasts for the next three
decades.

By 1998, the ABC decided the Odeon was no
longer suitable for its needs (similar to the fate
of the Waverley in the Melbourne suburb of
East Malvern, which was also used by the
ABC after it was also closed as a picture
theatre) and sold the building to the Christian
City Church which renovated the theatre,
restoring many of the original art deco features.
However, in 2009, the church moved out after
selling the Odeon to Melbourne developer
Riverlea, which drew up plans to demolish the
building and replace it with a multi-storey
office block, much to the displeasure of Hobart
residents. Despite council approval, those
plans have been on hold ever since and, in the
meantime, the theatre has been used for live
concerts and even live shows and some film
screenings.

From 2012, MONA (the Museum of Old and
New Art, the largest privately funded museum
in Australia), has leased the Odeon which it
uses for its twice yearly festivals as well as live
shows and concerts. MONA also offers the
theatre for hire at just $3,500 a night, plus stalls
seating hire of $5 per seat (the seating was
removed from the stalls for concerts).
However, if over 600 tickets are sold, the dress
circle with its original 481 seats will be opened
up for patrons.

MONA is hopeful of continuing with its lease
for many years to come, which could mean the
Odeon will be saved for future generations. �
Credits:

ABC radio Hobart (Paul McIntyre).
Conor Farrell - MONA Tasmania.
Peter Woolley (Hobart) - former Air Cadet.
Above: The Strand promoting its Wurlitzer
Below: The ABC Odeon as it was in the 1970s

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