Capitol Theatre

The 1,400-seat Theatre Royal was opened in 1925. It was designed by noted cinema architect Charles Bohringer and operated by the Armidale Theatre Ltd. It was taken over by the J.K. Capitol Theatres Pty. Ltd. chain in July 1928. It was renamed Capitol Theatre and underwent a renovation. The Capitol Theatre was reopened on 21st July 1928. It was equipped for sound films on 21st October 1929. In 1936 it was renovated to the plans of architectural firm Crick & Furse who also designed a new foyer. A Western Elecric sound system was installed at this time. From 1st October 1946 it was operated by Hoyts Theatres. The first CinemaScope film to be screened was Clifton Webb in “Three Coins in the Fountain” in early-October 1955.

Hoyts Theatres sold the Capitol Theatre in February 1972 to Border Drive-In Theatres Pty. Ltd. In 1979 it was sold to New World Development who announced plans to demolish and build a K-Mart on the site. There was public outcry and after council intervention, the Capitol Theatre was saved. However it was sold to Hooger Homes. Without warning, they sold a small strip of adjacent land, which meant the Capitol Theatre lacked sufficient fire exits. On 12th January 1984, the Council Licencing Office ordered the theatre to be immediately closed. Angry patrons were turned away from that evenings scheduled screening. Hooger Homes refused to build a new fire exit via the street because of the costs involved. Over the following weeks protests were held, but the Capitol Theatre remained firmly closed.

In 1985, it was converted ito a large hardware store. By 2008 it was operating as Sam’s Warehouse. Since at least 2016 it has operated as an electrical appliance store named Bing Lee.

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