Fire destroys Collingwood's historical Austral Picture Theatre in inner Melbourne
A historic, vacant theatre in Collingwood, Melbourne, was destroyed in an overnight fire that authorities have deemed suspicious. Police and arson chemists are currently investigating the blaze, which occurred despite local efforts to preserve the building from demolition.
Why it matters
The destruction of a locally significant historical site highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and heritage preservation in inner-city areas.
Fire guts the former Austral Picture Theatre in Collingwood. ( ABC News )
An overnight fire has gutted the former Austral Picture Theatre in Collingwood.
The theatre opened in 1921 and later became a rollerskating rink, but was vacant with plans to demolish it for apartments.
Police will investigate the blaze after it was deemed suspicious.
Link copied Share Share article Police will investigate a fire that destroyed a historic theatre in Collingwood, in inner Melbourne.
Firefighters arrived in Johnston Street about 10:30pm to find thick smoke and flames coming from the double-storey Austral Picture Theatre building.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said crews managed to stop the blaze from spreading to neighbouring properties.
It took well over an hour to control the fire.
FRV said the fire had been deemed suspicious.
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