Fire destroys historic Austral cinema in Melbourne — ABC News Australia

A nighttime fire in the Collingwood area of Melbourne, Australia, destroyed the former Austral Picture Theatre, built in 1921. According to ABC News, police are investigating the circumstances of the blaze, which Victoria's fire service deemed suspicious.

The fire was fought for more than an hour

Firefighters arrived on Johnston Street at about 10:30 p.m. and saw thick smoke and flames coming from the two-storey building. Fire Rescue Victoria said the fire did not spread to neighbouring properties. It took more than an hour to bring the blaze under control.

As a result of the fire, the 105-year-old structure was gutted. A Victoria Police spokesperson said the building was abandoned and, according to available information, no one was inside during the fire. An arson investigation expert was involved in the inquiry.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

The building had local significance

The Austral Picture Theatre opened in 1921. According to the Victorian Heritage Council, most of the building's original features had been preserved, although there were some alterations on the ground floor. The Greek Revival-style structure did not have heritage protection status, but was considered important to local history and architecture.

The cinema's original owner, Robert McLeish, was associated with the Rivoli cinema and other significant Melbourne cinemas. The premises were later used as a roller rink and as a carpet store. In 2021, local residents opposed a plan to demolish the former cinema and build an 11-storey residential building in its place. Since then, the structure had remained abandoned and construction work had not begun.