A nighttime fire in the Collingwood area of inner Melbourne destroyed the historic Austral Picture Theatre, prompting an active arson investigation by Victoria Police. Firefighters arriving on Johnston Street at approximately 10:30 p.m. encountered heavy smoke and flames billowing from the double-storey structure, requiring more than an hour of intense firefighting operations to bring the blaze under control.
Fire Response and Arson Investigation
Fire Rescue Victoria crews deployed to the scene and successfully stopped the fast-moving fire from spreading to neighbouring properties along Johnston Street. According to a Victoria Police spokesperson, the 105-year-old building was entirely abandoned at the time of the incident, and preliminary checks indicate no one was inside during the blaze. An arson chemist has already commenced an official investigation into the cause of the fire, which fire services have formally deemed suspicious.
Did You Know? Built in 1921 by its original owner Robert McLeish—who was linked with the Rivoli and other prominent Melbourne cinemas—the Austral Picture Theatre operated over the decades as both a rollerskating rink and a carpet store before ultimately sitting abandoned in recent years.
Architectural Significance and Community History
The Greek Revival-style building lacked formal heritage protection status, but the Heritage Council of Victoria regarded it as locally significant for its historical and architectural value. The council noted that while the ground floor had undergone some alterations, the majority of the structure’s original features remained intact. On its website, the council stated that the property holds strong local social and historic significance as a former long-term public building.
Redevelopment Precedents and Local Opposition
In 2021, local residents mounted an organized campaign against a proposed development that would have demolished the former theatre to make way for an 11-storey apartment building. Activist groups such as Protect Collingwood/Abbortsford publicly rallied against the demolition plans at the time, arguing on social media that surviving picture theatres in the Yarra area are essential to preserving the neighbourhood’s social heritage and warning against the loss of intact interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at the Austral Picture Theatre?
The exact cause remains under investigation. Fire Rescue Victoria deemed the fire suspicious, and an arson chemist has launched an inquiry into the incident.
Was anyone injured or trapped inside the building during the blaze?
No. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed that the structure was abandoned and no one was believed to be inside when the fire broke out.
Did the building have official heritage protection?
No. According to the Heritage Council of Victoria, the Greek Revival-style structure was not heritage-protected, though it was recognized as locally significant for historical and architectural reasons.
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