Avoca Beach Theatre redevelopment on the cards to start early 2023

THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED REDEVELOP-

MENT of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre is moving towards reality as revamped plans are expected to go before the Local Planning Panel before the end of the year or first thing in 2023.

Having engaged local architects, CKDS Architecture, to review earlier approved plans minor changes have been made that enhances the ambience of the building and surrounds.

Theatre owners Norman and Beth Hunter say the new plans will see the retention of the approved three cinema spaces but with reduced overall seating and revamped facades.

Mrs Hunter said the new revitalised theatre, resulting from a collaboration with Johnson Projects and CKDS were very different to past plans, with internal and external changes to originally approved plans.

“We are delivering an exciting cultural hub continuing to serve our community for another 70 years.”

“Internally, the changes mean there will be a smaller number of people in the building as a whole; externally, we have focussed on mirroring the natural elements of Avoca Beach whilst giving a nod to a bygone era of cinema.

“The jewel in the crown of our environmental package is geothermal heating and cooling which utilises the earth’s stored temperature to heat and cool buildings, reducing energy usage by 70 per cent,” she said. Architect’s rendering of the entrance to the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre

A curved interior staircase will be reminiscent of the golden age of cinema leading to an upstairs piano bar come cinema with seating for 100 patrons that can also be used for live music.

Downstairs on ground level, will feature a small café that with moveable walls can become a new 54-seat theatre restaurant as well as incorporating the existing 280-seat cinema and a third 32-seat cinema.

The overall development includes a residential component with five 2-bedroom apartments overlooking Avoca Beach.

Construction is expected to start in the first half of 2023. Architect’s rendering of the proposed redevelopment of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre from the rear showing residential component.

The Avoca Beach Theatre was built by Norman Hunter’s father and uncle in 1948 and has become part of the fabric of Avoca Beach. They are passionate about continuing the theatre’s legacy.

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