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Hoyts Cinema Centre

Location 134-144 Bourke Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B6961 File Number B6961 Level State

[1/1] B6961 Hoyts Cinema

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Hoyts Cinema Centre was designed in 1966 by Sydney architect Peter Muller and completed in 1969. It was the first mult-cinema complex in Australia. Based on a design for a similar project in Newcastle in 1959 by the same architect, it displays Muller's interest in structural engineering as a means to inspire architectural forms, such as the wide eaves overhangs similar to Chinese timber bracketing systems. This results in a most unusual upside-down pagoda-like form. There is a monumental horizontality provided by the thick concrete beams of each floor and the completely solid side elements empahasised by the use of off-form concrete. The balustrades contrast to the inward-angled side wall elements and the similarly inclined Bourke Street frontage. The first floor facade above the awning has been altered and the interiors were mostly demolished in c 2008 leaving only the main lobby space intact.
How is it significant? The Hoyts Cinema Centre is of architecutral and historicalsignificance at the State level.
Why is it significant? The Hoyts Cinema Centre is architecturally significant for its structuralism and and an approach that varies from traditional post and beam. This is the largest work by Peter Muller, an architect noted for his house designs. Historically, the Hotys Cinema Centre is significant as the first purpose built "cinema centre" (incorporating more that two screens in the one building) in Australia.
Classified: 01/02/1999.
Modified March 2013.