The team who injected a cultural pulse into Sydney's Golden Age Cinema in Surrey Hills and transformed Melbourne Rooftop Cinema, have now set their sights on the grand and historic Lorne Theatre.
Situated on the main drag of the coastal suburb, the 550-seat cinema sits as a beacon of the town, a magnificent art-deco building that rests on the corner of the promenade, Mountjoy Parade.
Ushering in a new age for the cinema are brothers, Barrie, Bob, and Chris Barton who grew up locally in the Geelong region and have longstanding childhood affiliations with the theatre.
“Our plans for the building are not to reinvent the wheel, but to add some love and polish and restore the Lorne Theatre to its original splendour,” explains new co-owner Chris Barton.
The theatre had previously remained as a family-run business since 1937, now under the Barton brother's stewardship it will usher in a new familial legacy.
Set to open in late 2024, the cinema will be under the guidance of Cinema Manager, Jessa Shields who is well-versed in the independent cinema world having graced the likes of Golden Age, Lido and Como.
The new refurb will champion the yesteryear design of the building, embellishing its unique charm while providing some modern enhancements—including a new licensed bar, seating, lighting and sound.
In lieu of the full cinema being operational for summer, the team are bringing in a pop-up to keep cinephiles and holiday punters at bay until the full restoration has been completed.
To get full details on the new-look Lorne Theatre head over here.
Check out the best places to eat in Lorne over here.
Image credit: Annika Kafcaloudis