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Progress Hall

Other Names Progress Theatre ,  Progress Cinema ,  West Coburg Progress Association Hall Location 236 Reynard Street,, COBURG VIC 3058 - Property No B7008 File Number B7008 Level Regional

[1/2] B7008 Progress Hall [2/2] B7008 Progress Hall Lobby

Statement of Significance

The Progress Theatre, was established in 1927 in an earlier hall which was added to in the 1930's, is of Metropolitan Regional historical and social significance and architectural interest.
The Progress Hall is the only small, suburban hall to have been used continuously, and successfully, for film exhibition in Melbourne and the only permanent cinema in Melbourne constructed of weatherboard. Films were often shown in simple halls in suburban and country areas between the 1910's and 1930's, but this is the only known hall to have become a permanent cinema in the Metropolitan area. It is of local historical importance as a site of popular entertainement in the West Coburg area.
Architecturally, the facade of the theatre is a simple, but striking, example of the streamline moderne. The freestanding metal lettering above the parapet is particularly notable. The theatre, moreover, forms an important visual element of the suburban streetscape and is a local landmark.
Classified: 13/10/1999