Austral Theatre

Located in the Colingwood district of Melbourne. The Austral Theatre was opened on September 15, 1921, operated by Robert McLeish. From the street it is clear that large parts of this theatre are still intact. The facade displays several stripped back classical elements combined with sparring use of ornate decorative motifs, typical of the 1920’s and 1930’s in Melbourne. "Austral Theatre" is still visible on the parapet of the building.

The entrance foyer and ground level shop fronts are very much intact. The original plaster chandelier above the entrance and decorated ceiling (in a Neo-Baroque highly ornate style) are visible as you enter the building.

The original women’s and men’s toilets are still intact with urinals and sinks boarded up and out of harms way.

Inside the auditorium it becomes clear just how intact this building is. The ornately decorated ceiling with regularly placed chandeliers and round cameo vents arches over the entire auditorium. Along the side walls of the auditorium are regularly placed panels which are flanked by fluted corinthian columns which rise up to support the decorated ceiling.

The original circle is also intact minus the seating. The outer face of the balcony there is highly ornate and is covered in plaster swirles and fern-like decorations.

The proscenium is not visible as an apartment has been built over it, however I was told that large parts of it are intact. The only part that was visible was the large panels which flank the stage, they are decorated with reclining classical Greek figures and are flanked by columns and topped with decorative friezes.

The Austral Theatre closed as a cinema in 1964. It became a roller skating rink for several years. This was follpwed by use as an inporters storage building, before becoming use as a Floorworld carpet store which closed in the early-2020’s. In 2021, plans were proposed to demolish the building to make way for apartments.

This theatre was remarkably intact and was a wonderful example of the type of theatre that was once so common in Melbourne. At 10:30pm on 26th September the vacant building was gutted by a fire (possible arson?)

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