Windsor Theatre, Nedlands

Statement of Significance

TIle Windsor Theatre has significant aesthetic. historic. representative, rarity and social cultural heritage value. The theatre is a landmark on Stirling Highway and has important strcetscapc value. [t is a fine representaive of Inter-War Functionalist architectural design, a style that in recent years has enjoyed a revival in interest. The theatre is one of a number of places that make a strong contribution to Nedlands character that have been recognised on the City of Nedlands Municipal Heritage Inventory from the Inter-War period. Though Perth has three other 19305 cinemas similar to tho Windsor. for the City of Nedlands district this theatre Is unique. For many people living in the Nedlands district, the Windsor has been an important part of their social history. despite a period when the theatre fell into disrepair through lack of patronage.

Physical Description

The Windsor Theatre is an example of Functionalist architectural design. Located on Stirling Highway the two storey cinema. despite being flanked and partly obscured by buildings on either side, is an important part of the streetscape. With a dominating presence, the brick rendered building is a significant landmark on the highway. Functionalist design in Western Australia had some unique elements that differed to Functionalist buildings erected in the rest of Australia during rhis period. However. the Windsor Theatre has many design features that reflect the 'modern' movement in architecture thai developed in the Inter-War period throughout the western world. Broad characteristics of Functionalist buildings that are also found in the Windsor Theatre arc: the use of decorative elements that serve no particular function, horizontal and vertical straight lines (often three in parallel) , roofs concealed behind parapets, steel and reinforced concrete used to achieve wide spans and the asymmetrical massing of simple geometric shapes. A Nautical Modernc design aspect is seen in the steel balustrading which reflects the influence of elements associated with ocean liners. lt must be noted that there have been many changes to the theatre both externally and internally since its construction in 1937. These include; removal of picture gardens and replacement with a. second modern cinema and parking area. removal of original candy bar, ticket box and booking office. modernisation of male and female toilets. installation of a new ticket box, new candy bar, new lighting, new foyer.' ceiling, new aluminium front doors, demolition of old street canopy. removal of original vertical neon sign, placement of 'new screen in main auditorium. new curtaining throughout. modification of the projection room and bio-box balcony as well as new scaling throughout. Though these appear to be substantial alterations. it is the opinion of David Kelsall. Heritage Architect and O'Brien Planning Consultants that the authenticity and integrity have not been compromised and that the Windsor Theatre has significant local heritage value.

History

The Windsor Theatre was built in 1937 by W 1-1 Ralph and Sons. W H Ralph was a prominent builder involved ill the construction of a number of places throughout the NedlandslDalkeith area. including the Nedlands Council offices. Built for E P Nelson of Claremont District Pictures. tho Windsor Theatre was one of a number of theatres constructed in Penh during the Inter-War period. It was officially opened on 10 September 1937 by the Chairman of the Nedlands Road Board, Mr Bennett. When the Windsor opened for business it had both an outdoor picture garden a. well as an indoor auditorium. The combination of both services proved vcry successful. The Windsor Theatre auditorium could seat at lea 1 800 people, a much larger number than the nearby Broadway Theatre. After a reduction in patronage the picture gardens fell into disuse. It is thought that the introduction of colour TV contributed to IIlis decline. TIle last remnants of the picture gardens were demolished in 1988. Part of the old outdoor picture garden is today (1998) the site of the "twin" picture theatre. The new cinema was designed with the intention of making the building viable. It has 3 capacity to seat 210 people. The old auditorium in 1998 has seating arrangements fur 500. It is to he noted that there is some conjecture about the person responsible for the design of the Windsor Theatre. One source indicates the cinema was designed by William Leighton and that Leighton was considered a notable cinema architect in the 1930s. Another source has strongly stated that the original design and plan for the theatre were produced by A R Baxter-Cox in December 1936. approved by the Nedlands Road Board in March 1937, and that Leighton was only involved in subsequent minor amnedments to the original plans. Concensus cannot be reached.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good

Condition

Fair - According to owner

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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