Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade

Statement of Significance

The cinema is a fine example of the Inter-War Functionalist style retaining many of the aesthetic characteristics of this style which was common in the design of cinemas in the 1930s.The construction of the place in 1938 reflected the optimism and the desire for enjoyment and entertainment that prevailed at the end of the Depression and was one of a number of theatres and cinemas constructed in Perth and its suburbs during this period. At the time of its construction, the place was fitted out with the most modern features and was the first cinema in Western Australia to be air conditioned. The place is associated with 1930s mining entrepreneur Claude de Bernales, cinema architect William Leighton, and sculptor, Edward Kohler. The place is valued for its associations with entertainment and social activity having been part of the Hay and Murray Street shopping and entertainment areas since 1938 and, as a result, contributes to the Western Australian community’s sense of place. The tower, consistent colour scheme and dominant arcade entry statements make the place a distinctive element and landmark within both the Hay and the Murray Street streetscapes.

Physical Description

Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade is a log rise masonry building extending between Hay Street and Murray Street. The retail arcade at street level provides pedestrian access and forms part of the historic pedestrian connections through the city. Retail units are located either side of the mall. The place was constructed in 1938 and substantially refurbished in 1984 with the place demonstrating characteristics of both these periods. The Hay Street end of the Mall contained a prominent entry statement incorporating a glazed barrel vault over the arcade opening with a curtain wall of reflective glazing. 'The Piccadilly' and a bird emblem stand proud of the glazed facade. The flanking masonry sections of the facade are rendered and are of differing appearances: the west section contains twin recessed panels with glass bricks above canopy level whilst the east section contains a single projecting panel and a painted bas relief mask. The Hay Street elevation has a secondary facade set back from the street at the upper level. A curved tower with a central vertical strip window is dominates. The remainder of the facade at this level contains three glass block windows, a wide horizontal coursing in the render, stylised lettering and a frieze along the parapet. Limited internal access to the upper level. The landing and staircase have retained the art deco aesthetic in the walls and balustrade, all paint finishes have been changed. The retail arcade has experienced some alterations to the shop frontages, arcade finishes in terms of new suspended ceiling and replacement floor coverings. The store fronts have tubular framing around the front section of the windows in keeping with the framing that is seen in the glazed entry canopy. The framing to the windows is not an original feature. Art deco detailing to the arches separating the retail units has been retained albeit partially obscured by the false ceiling. In 2021 major refurbishment works to the arcade and theatre were undertaken, completed in 2022. This work involved redesigning the facade to a more stripped back monochromatic design. The large box awning replaced the curved entry and is replicated on the Murray Street Mall side. Internally the redesign involved taking the Art Deco design back to a more monochromatic colour and design.

History

Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade was constructed in 1938, in Inter-War Art Deco style. The place was designed by architects Baxter Cox and Leighton for local property owner and businessman, Claude de Bernales, and incorporated part of the buildings already existing on the site. Construction of the building was undertaken by local contractors, General Construction Co and other local suppliers and trades contributed to the prominent project. Notable sculptor, Edward Kohler contributed designs and manufactured elements for the project. Piccadilly Theatre was one of a number of cinemas built during this period influenced by the Art Deco style. The popularity of the cinema in Western Australia during the Inter War period reflected an international trend. In 1984, Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade underwent extensive refurbishment guided by the designs of architect, Ian Tucker. The general decline of cinemas in central Perth lead to the closure of the cinema in 2013.In 2021 major refurbishment works to the arcade and theatre were undertaken, completed in 2022.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity. Much of the original 1930s character and fabric has been lost at arcade level, however, a high degree of original fabric remains at the upper levels.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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