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82. Hoyts New Glenhuntly by Gen ·y Kennedy and Brian Miller

Hoyts Theatres ftrst presence in the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Glenhuntly was in a plain utilitarian auditorium
at 1204 Glenhuntly Rd (on the east side of the railway line). This small, single level theatre was entered through an
arcade and seated around 500 [1]. It was of brick construction with a gabled iron roof. Shops are located on each side of
the entrance. The building still survives today and is used as a joinery works. It was also previously used as Miller's
Ballroom. Some former cinema elements still exist including the stage area and the projection booth.

With the construction of a number of larger cinemas in the neighbouring suburbs of Carnegie. Caulfield and Elsternwick
the local residents had plenty of venues from which to choose entertainment. Easy access to these suburbs was available
by tram and train services. Hoyts decided to build a new larger theatre on the west side of the railway line at 715
Glenhuntly Rd. (corner of Manchester Grove). Plans for a theatre seating 1492 were submitted for approval dated Sep-
tember 1925 (2). The theatre turned out to be an extremely attractive building and was a pacesetter in design for the
growing Hoyts circuit "The theatre was reputedly the first stadium type theatre in Melbourne"[ I]. The new Glenhuntly
Theatre was the first built by Hoyts, anywhere in Australia. using a Spanish theme. This idea had been imported from
America [I]
The exterior of the theatre was of an exotic Spanish-style architecture, being fairly low, but featUJing a heavy-set centre-
piece of very elaborate ornamentation supported by eight, narrow, twisted columns. Flanking this were double-arched
windows sharing small balconies. The top of the fa~ade featured very ornate band work simulating twisted candles.
"The spectacular Spanish theme was carried through into the vast auditorium. The ceiling was stepped and featured huge
beams interspersed with smaJier ones, and similar to the later Plazas in Sydney and Melbourne and the foyer of the
Parramatta Roxy, had decorative motifs. The proscenium was curved and comprised two bands of twisted columns (very
narrow) and large urns on either side. Flanking the proscenium were balconettes with double-arched doors. The side
waiJ treatment featured Spanish lights and decorations but was not overdone or vulgar. The entire effect was refined and
dignified." [I]

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Interior of Hotys Glenhuntly
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