Page 7 - CinemaRecord #77C

NEWSREEL THEATRE NEWS
CINEMA AND

NEW SOUTH WALES
WOODENBONG: Operating in the Public
Hall since 1946, Woodenbong Cinema is under
threat of closure unless money can be raised to
buy a digital projector before 35mm film print
production ends in March 2013.
SYDNEY: A $32 million extension of the
cramped stage and backstage facilities has been
proposed for the State Theatre.
RICHMOND: The Regent Twin Cinema is for
sale with planning permission for an additional
two screens on an adjoining site, however there is
concern that the theatre may be redeveloped.
CESSNOCK: In mid-December the Sydney- SUSSEX INLET: $150,000 for two basic
based group Hunter Valley Cinemas closed digital projectors have been purchased for
their Cessnock 3 Cinemas leaving no movies installation at the Inlet Cinema and also for
in town for Christmas. It was re-opened as the operators second location, Huskisson
Scotty’s Cinema Centre on January 2 by Pictures at Huskisson.
Scott Seddon who also operates the Heddon
Greta Drive-In Theatre and Scotty’s Cinema BLACKTOWN: Work continues on the
Centre at Raymond Terrace. However, lack of new hotel complex being built on part of the
patronage since then resulted in closure again Blacktown Drive-In Theatre site. The original
on February 27. giant screen has been replaced with a new smaller
screen which re-opened in December.
NEWCASTLE: Only removal of the inner-
city rail line to re-vitalise the CBD would NELSON BAY: Neil Merrin (ex-GU)
justify spending money on the boarded- took over operation of the Cinema
BYRON BAY: Two months after closure, up Victoria Theatre the building’s owner Centre in November.
Palace Cinemas re-opened the former Dendy said. He believes conversion to a high-end
Complex in November 2012 with fully restaurant/mini brewery would be more SYDNEY: Built to replace its namesake
digital location and a licensed bar. likely than restoration as a theatre, however which closed in 1972, the live Theatre
he would be willing to sell it to the council Royal in the basement of the MLC
WARRAWONG: The Westfield Shopping for that use. building will reportedly never re-open.
Centre was evacuated and locked down in a The venue has struggled to obtain suitable
6-hour siege when security disturbed two armed SYDNEY: Closed for a two week installation shows for some time and the site is set
gunmen in the Hoyts Cinema Complex in the of digital projectors, Imax re-opened March 7. to be redeveloped.
early hours of November 5. The gunmen were
not found but a woman was later arrested. COCKATOO ISLAND: The future of
the Cockatoo Island Film Festival is
KYOGLE: Re-opened in March 2012 after doubtful as Sydney Harbour Federation
closing a year earlier, the now not-for-profit Trust confirmed that it will review the
Kyogle Community Cinema are fundraising situation after numerous complaints after
to raise at least $55,000 by March to buy a the inaugural season last year.
digital projection system to ensure the continue
operating. The cost is increased to $110,000 if KOGARAH: In January, hoardings went
the cinema wants to continue operating out of up around the long disused Mecca Cinemas
two of its three auditoriums. and stripping of the building interior was
begun in readiness for complete demolition
BEVERLY HILLS: The 6-screen Greater and redevelopment of the site.
Union Cinemas has been offered for sale for
$7,500,000. GU has a lease until 2019 with
the option for a further 10 years.

Photo by William Gray.

CINEM AREC ORD 2013 7