Page 33 - CinemaRecord #87

The Empire 1920s

In order to make the property more viable, the tradition of showing fine films. The theatre is On 15 September 2015, the Empire Cinema
entrance was moved to the side, where it is comfortable and fully air-conditioned. will celebrate its centenary - The oldest
today. This allowed for the construction of two With the increasing variety of films available, regional cinema in Australia. ê
more shops facing Bong Bong Street.
the two cinemas were hard pressed to cope. In
In 1993, the Empire was converted to a 2005, the Empire was converted into a modern
modern twin cinema, with Cinema One seating four cinema complex, by the addition of Acknowledgements:
240 and Cinema Two 101. In 1994 Dolby Cinemas Two and Three (65 &144 seats Adapted from the Empire Cinemas website - used
Digital Sound was introduced to Cinema One respectively). These were suspended over the with permission.
and later to Cinema Two. rear car park and included a lift for disabled
access. Additional information:
The Empire Cinema was awarded the Best Berrima District Historical & Family History Society
Independent Regional Cinema in 2003, and In June 2010, Cinema One was refurbished in website
then again in 2013. Today, at just on 100 years, period style with new seating and a stage area
The Empire Cinema - the Southern created with concert lighting. It now seats 203, Images:
Highlands’ own cinema - continues the taking the capacity for all four cinemas to 513 CATHS Archive
seats. Mike Trickett
Left: The side entrance to the Empire
Right: The crowd queue for tickets in the upstairs foyer

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