CROWN THEATRE TO BE ERECTED IN MOLES- ' WORTH-STREET.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 74, 28 March 1914, Page 6

CROWN THEATRE TO BE ERECTED IN MOLES- ' WORTH-STREET.

A new moving picture theatre and concert hall are to be erected opposite Parliament Buildings in Moleswortnstreet and Sydney-street. The building, of which plans have been prepared by Mr. James Bennie, architect, will ha of two stories, with an elevation of 63ft | to Molesworth-street and 83ft on tlm corner, with provision' for a wide balcony., The ground floor is planned so that a concert chamber, 68ft by 42ft,_is given, to seat about 400 persons. There will lie an up-to-date stage, and a circle to seat about 200 persons. The ' floors will be on the spring system and specially suitable for dancing. The concert cham- ! ber will have practically the whole of j the fiont facing Molesworth-street de- j signed as exits, so that it can be emptied within two minutes. There _ will also be i a large supper-room, cloak-rooms, etc. ! The first floor, with ent?ance from i Sydney-street, is designed as a picture | theatre. A wide open court will lead to j the auditorium, 80ft by 51ft, and a. I separate entrance will give access to a i laige dress circle. Foyers and landings ] are a feature ir the planning. A balcony will extend along the whole frontage j of Molesworth-street and Sydney-street, j making a nice promenade, with an outlook over the Parliament grounds. The j theatre will have upholstered tip-up seats of the latest pattern, and will seat \ about 1000 persons'. All the floors, cnilings, and staircases are to be of reinforced concrete. The design is modern Renaissance, and has circular column features. On the corner of Sydney-street and Molesworth-street there* will be a handsome circular tower 83ft high, which will be specially illuminated during the evenings. It is estimated that the cost of the building, including seats and furnishing,will be about £13,000.