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Balcony view of derelict hall. The ‘step-down’ across the top of the picture was an opening into the ceiling. The hall was not designed
for films. Front and centre is a servery from kitchen to hall. The screen was hung across the servery.

With the advent of television in area as 750 square metres Southland Shopping Centre opened
1956 the crowds were dwindling and on approximately and the land area as on the 3rd September 1968 at 1239
the 6th March 1959 the RSL resumed 1086 square metres approximately. Nepean Highway Cheltenham (just a
control of the hall, which was then used In comparison with other picture short distance from the Cheltenham
as their clubrooms. In the late 70’s the theatres of the time this was a small Memorial Hall). I was a member of the
RSL moved out to new premises and a and spartan venue with a maximum staff selected to open the new branch
catering firm moved into the hall. seating capacity of 420. The bio-room of the National Bank and remember
By 1985 the hall known as was 12 feet by 8 feet and was of well the early days of the shopping
Columns Reception Centre had become concrete construction. For over thirty centre. It contained an auditorium with
a ‘Bingo Centre’ operated by Southern years the Cheltenham Memorial Hall a big stage where live theatre was
Star Promotions. Bingo sessions were provided the local community with the performed by professional actors.
held six afternoons and nights each opportunity to go to the pictures and
week. On the 27th September 1985 be entertained.
there were 250 patrons in attendance at
a bingo session.
As interest in bingo waned the hall
became vacant and fell into disrepair.
It was attacked by vandals and became
derelict. It was put up for sale a couple
of times. Photographs taken in October
1998 show the hall was in a very run-
down condition and available for lease.
Since then the building has been
renovated and is now occupied by the
Fernwood Female Fitness Centre. It
was auctioned on 15th May 2002. It
appears that the long-term future of the
building is assured as advertisements
in the Melbourne Age for the auction
described a long-term lease to
Fernwood Gyms (with bank
guarantee). They also note the building
The smartened up exterior in 2001. Photo by Martin Powell.

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