Page 25 - CR31R.pdf

The new complex - opened March 2001

The current Paramount (III) cable; 300 tonnes of steel; 1000 tonnes In the “live” auditorium there is a
Cinema and Performing Arts of concrete; and 92 tonnes of plaster. 12 metre wide automatic roll up
Complex is located in High Street on The architectural style is a screen behind gold stage curtains. The
part of a former Primary School site. It variation of art deco with modern stage houses a sprung floor under an
consists of three cinemas seating 103, subdued lighting. The dominant colour extensive lighting grid. Forward of the
120 and 170 respectively, together with scheme is shades of burgundy. There stage is an 8 feet deep orchestra pit,
a live theatre with seating for 396 are no curtains for the screens in the which is covered when not required.
which can also be used as a cinema. cinemas. Like all modern complexes the
The project is a joint venture between The operating booth is on two venue features a large candy counter
The Shire of Campaspe and levels: the upper level equipped for and electronic games area.
Southern Star Enterprises, a local screening films, the lower level Screenings average 20 sessions a
consortium. The complex opened on equipped for live theatre. day and with a 20-year operational
Monday 26 March 2001 following a
Projection equipment is German lease between the partners,
trade screening the previous night. The
made Kineton 30E with American “Paramount” will have been the
official opening was on Saturday 31
made Isco optic red lenses. The audio name of the premier entertainment site
March with a performance by the in Echuca for close to 100 years. ★
system features 6 channel Dolby
Victorian Concert Orchestra.
digital surround sound driving Klipsch
The complex cost $4.6 million of speakers.
which $2.6 million was provided by
Southern Star Enterprises, $1.1 million
by Arts Victoria and $800.000 by the
Shire. The size of the project can be
gauged by the following: there is half
an acre of carpet; 100km of audio

References:
Brian Wearne - Rich River Review, July 1983.
Memories of Athol Wearne', Kino, Sept. 1992.
Correspondence with Brian Wearne, Sept. 2001.
Many thanks to Irene Pagram and The Shire Of
Campaspe.
Riverina Herald, 23 March 2001.
Paperwork & tickets courtesy of Peter Wolfenden
Interior of the live auditorium

CINEMARECORD 2002 25