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VICTORIA:

BRUNSWICK EAST: The 12-metre
high, rear stage wall of the former
Lygon Theatre collapsed into a side-
street on September 13. High winds on
the partly demolished auditorium are
believed to have been the cause. The
site is being cleared for the construction
of an apartment complex.

DANDENONG: Heritage Victoria
has announced their decision to not
recommend the Lunar Drive-In
Theatre (Ex Panoramic/Village) for
inclusion in the Heritage Register.

ESSENDON NORTH: The former
New Essendon Theatre, better known
as Hoyts Circle is to be converted into
an apartment building. This will entail Festival management have commented NEW ZEALAND:
demolition of the auditorium, however that some of the issues are related to WELLINGTON: Lighthouse Cinema
the distinctive façade is to be retained. new digital formats as well as lack of co-owner Simon Werry has announced
experienced 35mm projectionists. three new ground-floor cinemas for the
MELBOURNE: A new list of buildings CBD. Total seating will be 150 (60;
nominated for heritage protection has NEW SOUTH WALES: 50 & 40). The boutique venue will be
been hailed a victory by the National DUNGOG: The 99-year-old James modelled on other Lighthouse Cinemas
Trust, but dismissed by others as a Theatre (1912) ceased commercial with a foyer, ticket area and an upmarket
disgrace and an insult to architects. screenings in early September. drinks and snack bar.
One contentious nominee is the former Proprietor Brett Hopson cited the
Hoyts Midcity Cinemas building on frequent inability to obtain 35mm film All cinemas will be digital- but not 3D.
Bourke Street, deemed a “successful prints and a prohibitive $70,000 needed A new 9 metre-high building on a 405sq
blend of traditional romantic cinema for conversion to digital projection site will have a mezzanine floor with
design with modern functionalist made the operation unviable. two projection rooms, an office, and a
requirements using an early example of small function space. The complex is
Brutalist architecture.” Whilst some say expected to be open by August 2012.
it is deserving of heritage protection,
the original complex has been severely CHRISTCHURCH: The Regent on
altered to house retail outlets and the Worcester was finally demolished on
(smaller) Chinatown Cinemas, causing July 14 – and the Rialto will now not re-
many more to argue that it deserves to open and all staff have been paid off.
be demolished.
PARAPARAUMU: A new cinema
MORWELL: The former Panoramic
Drive-In Theatre was offered for sale WOLLONGONG: Plans for a new complex opened in September.
by auction on September 16. The site 8-screen cinema complex have been Complete with 3D and digital, the
has been rezoned for residential use dropped, but Event Cinemas are reduced seating cinemas will screen
with a development concept plan for spending $500,000 on upgrading both art-house and mainstream product.
96 new house lots. For many years, a their Greater Union Town Cinemas. Newsreel Contributors: Roderick Smith; Colin
“Trash and Treasure” market has been Improvements on the 35-year-old Flint; Ross King; Crosley Carpenter; Brian Hunt;
conducted on the site which still retains complex will include new high-back Steve Maggs: Kevin Adams; David Kildrerry;
the original café, bio and ticket box. seats, Digital and 3D projection as well Peter Ricketts; Steve Malone.
as a barista-style café.
MELBOURNE: The Melbourne A SIGN OF THE TIMES?
International Film Festival has copped BIRMINGHAM GARDENS:
some extensive criticism over the recent Suburban Newcastle’s single-screen
2011 season which was reportedly beset Regal Cinema is moving closer to re-
with a number of projection issues. opening. Dark since October 2006, it is to
Worst reports came from screenings at be conducted as a community-run facility
the Forum and Greater Union Russell incorporating education and training
Cinemas citing problems with: focus, programmes. The Friends of the Regal
cropped subtitles, incorrect screening recently concluded a sell out Regal by the
ratios, house-light glitches and noise Lake film series, with turn away crowds Mass junking of 35mm Projection equipment
levels from bio-box staff etc. for three award winning foreign films. in the USA as digital takes over.

CINEMAREC ORD 2011 5