Historical picture theatre destroyed in suspicious fire in Melbourne

An overnight blaze gutted the historic Austral Picture Theatre in Collingwood, Melbourne. The building, once a movie theatre in 1921, later transformed into a roller-skating rink and a carpet store. Despite efforts to demolish it for apartments, the theatre retained local social and architectural significance. Police are investigating the suspicious fire, which occurred around 10:30pm, as the abandoned building had no occupants.

Fire Rescue Victoria managed to control the flames, preventing them from spreading to neighboring properties. The Greek revival-style theatre, recognized for its historical value, has retained most of its original features. The Heritage Council of Victoria considers the theatre locally significant, but it was never heritage-protected.

Locals banded together to prevent a proposed apartment building construction, highlighting the theatre's importance in preserving the neighborhood's social heritage.