Page 26 - CinemaRecord #82

PENRITH

Modernised Nepean.
In mid-1947 an even greater remodelling plan
was drawn up by architect Guy Crick, to make
the Nepean an ultra-modern showplace for the
region. Once again the theatre never closed.
The re-construction went way over budget but
the now streamlined art-moderne New Nepean
officially opened on May 19, 1948.
In the early 1950’s a large milk bar and
courtyard were constructed on its western side
of the building where several assistants would
serve during the program intermission.
Eventually the effects of TV and late trading
for hotels took its toll, until in 1964 at the last
show only one patron attended. By interval he
was asleep. The Manager woke him and told
him the show was over. Later in the year it did
re-open under a new lease but closed again in
1966. The theatre remained empty for some
years and then saw out its last days as a carpet
showroom before demolition for a new bank
in 1977.

Modernised Nepean.

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