Cremorne Theatre (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Social *social significance *demonstration of a way of life, custom, process or function. The building has been used almost continuously for social functions as a picture theatre and social venue reflecting a way of life in the goldfields. Historical*historical significance of development of cultural phases; association with impor tant figures. The Cremorne Theatre and Gardens was one of the first Edwardian theatres to undergo an internal refurbishment after the Depression. In the 1930s the interior of the cinema was reputed to be the most modern in the goldfields. Aesthetic *architectural/ technical accomplishment *environmental importance; townscape or landscale value; high degree of unity of setting. The Art Deco details of the 1930s are a contrast to the Edwardian details of the then existing building but serve to reflect the evolution of the place. The eastern end of Hannan Street is appreciably enhanced with the streetscape of the Cremorne Theatre. Rarity and Representativeness *scarcity value; a particularly fine example The Cremorne Theatre and Gardens is the last of its type in the goldfields. The Cremorne Theatre and Gardens represents two eras of Kalgoorlie's history and is among the few remaining theatres of the period in the state.

Physical Description

The building, known as the Cremorne Theatre Gardens Ltd is situated at the eastern end of Hannan Street and is adjoi ned by an open space which was the Outdoor Picture Garden. The symmetrically-designed two-dimensional facade is decorated with twin pediments featuring a floral pattern. These are placed over matching blind arcades. Two entrance doors, situated on either end of the building, were bricked up during the 1935 alterations when it was converted from a spacious hall to a movie cinema It is not known what form of entrance was in place when the architects included a glazed panelled front door in the 1935 refurbishment. At this time the ground floor plan included two lounges, a perambulator room, and a spare room which was used for staff purposes. The one entrance opened onto a wide foyer and lead to a long passage, at the end of which patrons gained access to the cinema. This is clearly indicated on the plan lodged with the P.H.D. The longitudinal section indicates the length of the hall to which was soundbox was attached.at that time .The architects removed the existing stage walls of the older theatre and introduced a new proscenium and viewing screen. This area was bordered by a decorative panel and flanked by fretted grills. The original proscenium is still intact, though hidden from view by recent interventions by the current tenants. · Some of the trappings of the 30s still remain in the converted foyer area. One of the ceilings features a centre rose, placed on a plain hexagonal plaque, which in turn sits upon a streamlined ribbed panel of complex design. Another incorporates a radiating ribbed geometric design which is divided by a crosslike form.of typical Art Deco stepped shapes. Some of the wall panels are still intact, including a vertical geometric sculpted panel which features a stylised poppy bounded by a budded wreath. This was placed at the summit of the panel and is reminiscent of a portcullis. The foyer has recently undergone further alterations.

History

Assessment 1995 Construction: 1911 Architect unknown Builder: Hobbs Forbes and partners The Cremorne Theatre, Kalgoorlie was built c1911. It was an unlined building of galvanised corrugated iron, and a sliding roof panel allowed for the exhaust of hot air. The Cremorne had a seating capacity of 1200 people. The range of seats included canvas deckchairs. The projection box was a corrugated iron box in the centre of the tiered gallery. In 1927 Mr Nelson took over the Cinema and had something of a monopoly in Hannan Street in Kalgoorlie, running both the Cremorne and the Majestic Theatres, and later the Palace in Boulder. During the mid 1930s, the Cremorne was the first of the Edwardian Picture Theatres to receive internal refurbishment after the goldmining activities began to yield high profits and the Town of Kalgoorlie experienced another boom. After the conversion it was said to be the most modern interior in Kalgoorlie.The work was carried out by Hobbs, Forbes and Partners who drew up plans in 1935. The architects installed Art Deco styled features which were at some variance with the exterior facade. During the 1970s the facility was used as an Indoor Cricket and social space. In 1982 Westralian Drive-ins Pty Ltd, who were at the time operating the Tw in City Drive-in in Kalgoorlie, took on a ten year lease of the Cremorne Cinema Building from the City of Kalgoorlie. The building was refitted as a cinema with seats from the Plaza Cinema in Perth. Canvas deckchairs which had been used in the Picture Gardens many years previously were also put into use. Projection equipment was installed with appropriate sound system, laced screen and all the latest technology of a cinema operation at the time. The candy bar counter and other furniture from the Plaza Cinema was authentic 1930s deco style. The community of Kalgoorlie enjoyed the cinema revival for some two years or so until another operator took over the lease and the business failed. During the period of the cinema revival, Sunday afternoon discos were a great success for the younger people in Kalgoorlie. The Cremorne Building currently provides a community space for indoor sports and social activities.

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