Euroa cinema revamp benefits more facilities
Old second-hand seating to be replaced in Euroa Community Cinema’s $130,000 makeover are revamping smaller community theatres instead of going to landfill.
Violet Town St Dunstan’s Hall Film Society and Albury-Wodonga Theatre Company are repurposing Euroa cinema’s middle to back rows of cloth seating, which were installed second-hand in 2004.
While the cinema’s historic seating (original balcony chairs) will stay in the front rows, the subsequent rows of cloth chairs will be upgraded to modern theatre seating within an accessible, and inclusive new floorplan for 260 movie-goers.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Laura Binks said 145 cloth chairs with external cupholders would soon be replaced by 158 wider chairs with built-in cupholders, and five dedicated wheelchair spaces within some rows of seating.
Cr Binks said Council was rapt the renovation would have flow-on benefits for smaller film and theatre spaces, and the environment.
“We advertised for expressions of interest from community groups in December [2021] and are delighted the Violet Town and Albury-Wodonga film and theatre groups wanted to repurpose the old chairs in their arts spaces,” she said.
“While enhancing the cinema experience in Euroa, rehousing the old chairs is a great outcome for cultural assets in three communities – and saved unnecessary waste to landfill.”
New comfort in accessible floorplan
The Euroa Community Cinema renovation is funded by a $130,000 cultural and infrastructure grant from the Victorian Government.
The makeover began in January with re-sanding and polishing floorboards, and will include repainted walls, steam-cleaned drapes, in addition to spacious new seating and improved accessibility.
“Council and cinema volunteers are excited about providing a more comfortable, accessible, and inclusive movie experience for families and individuals of all ages and abilities when the cinema reopens, Cr Binks said.
“Previously wheelchairs could only be parked beside a row of seating, but the new floorplan has dedicated wheelchair spaces within some rows. There will also be two rows of chairs with lift-up arm rests for people who would like more room.”
With the arrival of Euroa cinema’s new seating delayed by COVID, a re-opening date has not yet been confirmed.
Violet Town St Dunstan’s Hall Film Society
Violet Town St Dunstan’s Hall Film Society secretary Rebecca Cole said two 11-chair rows of cloth seating from Euroa Community Cinema were being reconfigured to replace the group’s plastic outdoor seats.
“Our ‘gold-class’ chairs are six house recliners and a couple of couches, and the Euroa cinema seats will complement them well – becoming our ‘silver-class’ seating!” Ms Cole said.
“The preloved seating from Euroa will make St Dunstan’s Hall feel more like a professional cinema when we show films, and are more comfortable, sturdy and safer than our plastic chairs – especially for older community members.”
Strathbogie Shire Council delivered two 11-chair rows removed from the Euroa cinema to the Violet Town Men’s Shed in late January for remodelling.
“Our seating can’t be left in situ for other community events in the hall; so they are being cut down at Violet Town Men’s Shed in to banks of four chairs to make them lighter to move to the side of the hall,” Ms Cole said.
“We are grateful to Strathbogie Shire Council for the donation and delivery, and we’re hoping to have them ready for our next film night on March 18.
“We are always looking for new members, so our new chairs may also attract more people to come along.”
Violet Town St Dunstan’s Hall Film Society screens 12 acclaimed films a year; third Friday monthly (except December-January) and two matinees. For more information about membership and screenings, visit https://www.violettown.org.au/local/st-dunstan-hall-film-society
Albury-Wodonga Theatre Company
Albury-Theatre Wodonga Theatre Company president Joseph Thomsen said 13 rows (123 chairs) of Euroa cinema’s old seating had transformed the group’s modest theatre space in south Albury.
The amateur theatre group moved into the former bocce and function venue in 2014 but refitting with dedicated theatre seating was not a viable option.
“We are absolutely grateful to have received these chairs from the Euroa cinema in mid-January,” Mr Thomsen said.
“Previously we had a tiered metal structure with free-standing chairs; a team of dedicated volunteers have anchored the new chairs to our tiered platform.”
Mr Thomsen said the secured seating was safer and more comfortable for audiences, and theatre group members during rehearsals.
“It has changed the whole look and helped the area feel like a theatre space,” he said.