Page 23 - CR

Above: The auditorium is seen at the rear.

By the late 1950s television was
taking its toll, closing cinemas
throughout Melbourne and at this time
films were discontinued at the Memo.
The final screening was held on
Wednesday December 10, 1958 with
the lack-lustre double-bill of House of
Strangers plus Women of Pitcairn
Island.
The hall was let as office space and
storage, then for some years was it was
used by Pan Pacific Films for film
production and rehearsal space. This
company also operated a Sunday
market in the space until 1992 but as
the hall gradually deteriorated, it fell
into disuse and was finally locked up.
Around 2002, a move to re-open it
was made and at least one art-show was
presented - but the generally poor
condition of the hall made leasing
difficult.
The property at the rear of the
premises was ripe for re-development
and in 2010 the trustees were able to
Above Photos: Top – The stage prior to restoration. (Pic:Courtesy of Theatre Heritage Australia).
sign a contract that included complete
Centre: Demolition of backstage. Below Left: Hall Secretary, John Callanan, during restoration.
restoration of the hall as well as
external painting of the entire complex.
The old buildings and additions behind
the existing stage wall were demolished
allowing for the construction of a
brand-new apartment building
adjoining the original.
The good news is that a preferred
venue operator will now manage the
hall for multi-purpose events. All
fittings and furnishings have been
removed and equipment will be hired Above and below: Demolition of backstage
as required. Re-painting included a After 87 years, the Memorial Hall, and old flats - and the replacement
simple but attractive proscenium renamed, freshly re-furbished and now apartment block.
surrounding the stage. finally re-opened, has returned to its
original community purpose and is
St Kilda Memo is now the official
bound to provide many future
name for the space - with live music,
generations of even further fond
cabaret, comedy, film screenings, Memories of the Memo.
storytelling, dancing and other arts
events planned - as well as big social
and corporate functions and events. Our thanks to Mr Sam Roberts of the
St.Kilda Memorial Hall Trustees for his
invaluable help with this article.
Additional information and photos from the
Kevin Adams Collection.

CINEMARECORD 2011 23