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Uploaded on: September 27, 2026

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A 105-year-old former cinema in Melbourne was gutted by fire overnight @ approx 10:30 p.m. on September 26, 2026.

Photo - The blackened ceiling & what’s left of the forward lighting chandelier & decorative ceiling (Another view)

Architecture Hub writes - The Austral Picture Theatre in Collingwood opened in 1921. Firefighters were called to the building at about 10:30 p.m. on September 26 and brought the blaze under control shortly before midnight. The fire has been deemed suspicious and is being investigated by Victoria Police.

The building had already faced redevelopment plans: a 2021 proposal called for demolishing much of the former theatre for an apartment development. Construction never began, and the building remained vacant.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -