HOYTS RIALTO THEATRE KEW - NOW - THE MELBOURNE REVIVAL CENTER 218 High Street, Melbourne, VIC

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Uploaded on: February 17, 2019

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Hoyts Rialto Theatre Kew closed on May 17, 1961. The closure can be directly attributed to lack of attendance because of the advent of Television. Almost immediately (June 28, 1961) Artransa Park Telemedia P/L moved in. Ironically the business of Artransa was the production of television commercials. This is the company famous for creating the Australian Government TV commercial for Decimal Currency in the middle 60’s.

In Jan 1969 the building became “The Melbourne Revival Center”. When you examine the photo supplied courtesy of CATHS, the first thing you notice is the removal of the original “Rialto” lead light signs – (the name “Rialto” was set in lead light) located on either side of the raised central section of the veranda. (see photo insert) Lead light windows & signs were a feature in Australian public buildings from the 1880s. The lead light signs (6X2 ft) were a classic heritage example of the era. Assuming that the lead lights were still intact at the point of sale, (and I believe they were) it’s disappointing that the new owners' should have removed or covered them over. Despite this the facade of the building is clearly marked in raised concrete letters with the word “Rialto”. This was to remain untouched (despite the various owners) for the life of the building. For me it will always remain in memory “The Rialto” … Contributed by Greg Lynch –