The Brunswick Picture House has officially opened at 510 – 512 Sydney Road, marking the first new cinema on the iconic strip in more than four decades. Located within a carefully restored heritage building, the project delivers a single-screen cinema, an intimate bar offering pre- and post-show cocktails, and a traditional veranda light box presenting film times and upcoming sessions.

The building has a rich history, having once served the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company before operating for many years as a Greek social pub. Film-maker Gus Berger, co-owner of Thornbury Picture House with his wife, Lou Berger, a music supervisor for films and television, led the vision for the transformation, undertaking an almost two-year process to create a venue that supports both local film culture and community life.

Beyond screenings, the cinema will host opportunities for emerging film makers, including curated short-film nights and small-scale festivals that support local talent.

Hansen supported the project from inception through to approval, assisting to secure the planning permit with several team members living locally, it has been a rewarding project to see evolve and open its doors.

Internal Images Courtesy of Brunswick Picture House.