OBERON’S iconic art deco building, the Malachi Gilmore Hall is up for sale.
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The Hall has been admired for many years by locals, visitors to Oberon as well as art deco enthusiasts.
The Hall, in Oberon Street is a fine art deco building that was designed by Italian architect Virgil Cizzio (who changed his surname to Renshaw) and was opened in 1937.
It was known as the Magna Theatre. A striking unique feature of the hall is the use of glass bricks. It’s one of the few surviving architecturally significant buildings of this period in Australia.
It was built on land donated to the Catholic church in memory of Malachi Gilmore, who had come to Oberon in 1872 and owned land in Oberon and the Duckmaloi area.
It was originally built as a dance hall cinema, seating 310 people, but has also been a cabaret venue, a skating rink and is currently a wool store.
It was leased by Les Anstiss until the 1950s and then by Herb and Jean David, who owned it from 1966 to 1986. It is now owned by Scott Still. Today the front is leased by Cobweb Craft Shop and the back is a wool store.
Pat Bird from Ray White Emms Mooney said there has been a lot of interest from art deco enthusiasts throughout the state.
“With its main street location it’s a great opportunity for someone to restore the building back to its former glory,” he said.
“The original stage and projection room are still largely intact and is set on approximately 986 square metres, with rear lane access and plenty of parking at the back.
“The Hall has massive scope for future development such as shops, cafes or a function centre – to name a few.”
Mr Bird said the Malachi Gilmore Hall will go to auction on Friday, November 21, if not sold prior.
“As a ‘one of a kind’ in the main street of Oberon’s growing township, it is a must see for the astute investor or lover of art deco architect,” he said.
The Hall will be open for inspection this Saturday from 10-11am or Mr Bird said interested buyers can call Ray White Emms Mooney to arrange a private inspection.