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Former Burnley Theatre

Other Name Swan Street Auctions Location 365 Swan Street,, BURNLEY VIC 3121 - Property No B7017 File Number B7017 Level Local

[1/1] B7017 Burnley Theatre

Statement of Significance

.The former Burnley Theatre, designed by Bohringer, Taylor and Johnson, and opened in 1928 is architecturally and historically significant at the state level.
Architecturally the building is particularly notable as a fairly elaborate example of the Neo-Classical / Adam style applied to a cinema, and remains fairly intact despite the new use. The auditorium and lobbies are largely intact, and the walls retain their original textured buff-coloured stucco finish, and details highlighted in various complementary colours.
Historically, it is one of the few examples of a 'picture palace', ie. a cinema with a degree of architectural pretentiousness, to remain extant. The theatre is also significant as one of two remaining by the firm Bohringer, Taylor & Johnson and to a lesser degree for its association with Union Theatres Ltd., the forerunner of the present Greater Union Organisation.
The cinema is also notable for its association with films, by far the major form of popular entertainment in the early twentieth century, and is of note for closing soon after the introduction of TV and the Drive-In.
Classified: 06/03/2000