Former Hoyts Cinema Centre included in Victorian Heritage Register
The former Hoyts Cinema Centre, the first multi-cinema complex in Victoria, has been added to the Victorian Heritage Register. The Heritage Council of Victoria concluded that the building at 134 Bourke Street meets the criteria for inclusion in the State Register. The Former Hoyts Cinema Centre introduced the first multi-cinema complex to Victoria and was the third such complex in the world. While the cinemas no longer exist it has an important association with the development of the industry in the State. The building represents a revitalisation of the cinema industry which had not been seen since the advent of talking movies in the late 1920s. It was the first major excursion into cinema construction in Australia after World War II The Former Hoyts Cinema Centre is of architectural significance as a highly innovative and individualistic building with a distinctive tower which dominates the overall design. It is unique in Victoria. The tower draws clear inspiration from Asia and also displays early characteristics of the emerging Brutalist style. There are eight criteria considered by the Heritage Council for the assessment of places of cultural heritage significance. For a place or object to be included in the Victorian Heritage Register it must meet at least one of the criteria. This building was found to meet two criteria and is considered to be of historic and architectural significance to the state of Victoria. The Victorian Heritage Register is the official listing of almost 2300 places and objects which have been assessed as significant to the State of Victoria. The listings provide the State’s highest heritage protection and mean changes require a permit from Heritage Victoria.
The full hearing decision can be viewed under Registration Decisions
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