One of Melbourne's grand old ladies, the Northcote Theatre will undergo an extensive renovation that will see the Edwardian Baroque-era building turned into a major new performing arts venue hosting live music as well as theatre.
Helmed by operator Andrew Mansfied and his partners, the space will become a multi-function precinct with a 1,500 auditorium the centre-piece alongside a mezzanine cocktail bar and a rooftop bar; and on the ground floor, an Italian-style trattoria, Dough Romeos, and a boutique wine bar, Isabellas."It's not just concerts," Mansfield says, "the theatre is versatile, it's a welcome freedom to be able to explore all the different ways the space can be used to facilitate people connecting with the arts."
Construction is set commence onsite from early 2022 with the building set to open mid-year with a host of local, national and international artists already secured to perform.
Originally opened in 1912, Northcote Theatre staged live performances, balls, vaudeville, and silent movies before operating as an independent cinema till it closed in 1960.
It also became the first building in Northcote to attain electricity after installing its own generator. In more recent years, the space had been used as a reception hall for weddings.
Northcote Theatre (left) in the 1910s
"The theatre is a grand and ornate space, purpose built to host entertainment and right in the heart of Northcote," venue booker Ben Thompson says.
"The new lease holders have uncovered a sweeping tiered mezzanine and there are direct stage sightlines from anywhere in the theatre; it's just perfect for live performance."
