Victoria Coffee Palace later Victoria Hotel, also Central Hall later Grosvenor Theatre-part, 199-207, 209-221 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
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Title:
Victoria Coffee Palace later Victoria Hotel, also Central Hall later Grosvenor Theatre-part, 199-207, 209-221 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
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Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105916 105917
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Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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UnrestrictedOpen access.
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UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
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RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2022:__________________________________________________DATE: 1911-, 1927-8 façade, theatre remodel 1955;ASSOCIATIONS: Victoria Coffee Palace Co.;DESIGNERS: Inskip & Kemp (1911); Alexander F Eggleston and Gawler and Drummond; Cowper Murphy & Associates 1955; Henderson and Smart 1880;BUILDERS: Carter, John 1911; Weavel and Keast 1927.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM 199-207, 209-221 Little Collins Street__________________________________________________LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEX: RecordCity of Melbourne Building Permit Application76932 Inskip & Kemp; Victoria Coffee Palace Co Melbourne VIC Shops; alterations Carter, John - Armadale 1911 06 19 2700MCC registration no 2700 [Burchett Index]. Fee 9.12.0 shops & additions to Coffee Palace Little Collins - 213/21__________________________________________________Mahlstedt and Ghee Map 81888 Victoria Coffee Palace shown adjoining City of Melbourne town hall, 71 Collins St East 34' frontage, as 4 levels with a light court with a 5 level annexe joining on north-east and one and 2 storey buildings fronting Little Collins.- Athenaeum Hall adjoining in Collins StMahlstedt Section 1, Map 81948-184-192 Collins St Athenaeum231-223 Little Collins St 6 levels, part `The Victoria Palace'12' wide Athenaeum Place209-221 Little Collins St 8 levels, part `The Victoria Palace'10' Baptist Lane199-207 Little Collins St 9 levels, part `The Victoria Palace' rear of Baptist Church(Georges)__________________________________________________VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-1750Part of land initially occupied by Baptists. 1855 map - school. 1866 - building.1877 - house & school, shed. 1888 - Baptist Hall, 2 storeys to Little Collins Street, 1-2 storeys at rear__________________________________________________NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 - 1929) Thu 28 Oct 1880 Page 2 TOWN TALKThe Victoria Coffee Palace (late Victoria Club), Collins-street, Melbourne, will beopened to the public on Monday next.The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.: 1848 - 1957) Fri 28 Oct 1881 Page 10https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5975427?searchTerm=%22Victoria%20Coffee%20Palace%22%20architectTHE VICTORIA COFFEE PALACE. The opening of the new premises built by the Victoria Coffee Palace Company at the back of the original building in Collins street east was celebrated on Wednesday morning by a breakfast, given to about 100 ladies and gentlemen by Mr. David Beath, chairman of the company.The new promises are five stories high and fitted throughout with bed- rooms, and the company will now be able to accommodate 150 boarders at one time. An examination of the new building showed that the architects, Messrs Henderson and Smart, had thoroughly provided for light and ventilation, as well as for all the other accessories which in the present day are considered necessary for the comfort of persons occupying bedrooms. When the breakfast was concluded a few remarks were made by some of the gentlemen present. Mr Munro, M.L.A., referred to the success of the hotel since it was opened a year ago, and expressed the opinion that it would be a still greater success in the future. He also stated most emphatically that the report which had been circulated to the effect that a tenant of the company who kept an oyster saloon had sold drink was not correct. The chairman said he was quite certain all those who took shares in the company must be well satisfied. The Coffee Palace was now most extensively patronised by all classes of people, who were glad of the opportunity of getting a good meal in a comfortable place without being expected to take alcoholic drink. Mr M'Lean, one of the directors, remarked that the company was paying 8 per cent, and was able also to carry forward a good sum to the reserve fund Mr Mackay drew attention to the bad ventilation of the dining room, and the chairman replied that the matter was under consideration, and would be attended to as soon as the lower flat was ready for a luncheon room. Before the company separated the chairman said it was not right of the editor of The Argus to make the remarks which he affixed to the foot of a letter in his paper referring to the oyster saloon. The rows mentioned in the letter did not come from the Coffee Palace, and there had been rows in Collins Street since the oyster saloon was closed. The proceedings were concluded by a vote of thanks to the chairman for his hospitalityThe Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) Tue 1 Mar 1881Page 2 VICTORIA COFFEE PALACE.https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/204053840?searchTerm=%22Victoria%20Coffee%20Palace%22VICTORIA COFFEE PALACE.The first ordinary general meeting of the share holders of the Victoria Coffee Palace Company was held yesterday at the company's premises, Collins-street east. Mr. D. Beath occupied the chair....the hindrance of business through necessary alterations and presence of workmen ... the palace has been quite full of boarders ...from the first day it was opened, and numerously patronised us a restaurant... The manager (Mr. George Walker) reported as follows: — The Coffee Palace was opened to the public on the 1st of November, 1880, and every available bed was at once occupied... The ladies' dining room was opened in November, and the front bar on the 8th December. Both were elegantly decorated, and have proved increasing sources of income...the basement was let satisfactorily as an oyster room, without any outlay on the part of the directors, as from the 15th December ... they have purchased a property at the roar of the palace, and intend building upon it, so as to give accommodation to double the number of boarders and at the same time to enable the directors to utilise the whole .of the largo dining-ball for the public.... following directors appointed : — Messrs. D. Beath (chairman), J. Munro, M. M'Lean, W. Clarke, B. James and S. E. Lees.The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Thu 25 May 1911 Page 3 VICTORIA COFFEE PALACEhttps://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/242220764?searchTerm=%22Victoria%20Coffee%20Palace%22%20architectVICTORIA COFFEE ' PALACE TWO HUNDRED NEW ROOMSA contract has been let by Messrs Insklp and Kemp; architects, to Mr John Carter, for extensive additions to the Victoria Coffee palace. The additions comprise a five-storey, building on the 116 ft. frontage of the company's land In Little Collins at the rear of the Coffee Palace. Existing old shops, comprising further remnants of early Melbourne are being removed. –The ground floor storey of the now building will have a stone front' and fireproof concrete floor. It will be let temporarily as shops, but' will be used later for a large/ dining hall In connection with the Coffee palace.' In the upper storeys there will be 200 new- bedrooms as well as dining rooms, etc. for the use of guests.The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Thu 1 Aug 1912 Page 4 VICTORIA COFFEE PALACE. Additions in 5 storeys to Little Collins St frontage to Victoria Coffee Palace building ... one of the largest and most modern in Australia-... The structure rises to a height of 70ft, and' contains five stories. The elevation of the 1stt story is In rubbed bluestone, and above it the front la carried out in brick, with cement dressings in Italian : Renaissance style, making It a distinct feature of architecture In this part of the city.On the ground door Is a spacious vestibule with double entrances enclosed In polished blackwood, and richly decorated screen glazed with leaded glass of fine designs. The hall and cafe measures 41ft x 26ft, and the fittings are of polished black wood, the ceiling being of decorated plaster. The staircase and . lift occupy a space off the hall measuring 25 ft x 13ft. The dining hall is spacious und remarkable for its complete ventilation, and ample flood-of natural light. It opens directly off the entrance ball, and measures 70ft x 55ft. The hall represents the last word in accommodation of this character. The serving room affords ample space for the attendants to work In, being 28ft x 16ft. The pantry and other kitchen appointments are so placed that no smell penetrates from the cooks' department to the dining room. The original kitchen of the coffee palace Is used, and all food cooked there Is brought to the serving kitchen, and there kept hot by the latest appetences in the form of hot plates and-copper vessels. The drawing-rooms, 26ft x 26ft, are on the first floor, where also are situated the writing-room, 30 ft long; smoking room, 2Sft long, and private drawing- room, 59ft long. The upper floors Include; sleeping accommodation for 163 guests. On each floor ample bath accommodation Is provided; the building has a hot water service and electric light throughout. Every bedroom: has an ample supply of fresh air and natural light, and the furnishings through out are dictated by the best modern taste. The bedrooms on every floor are on the same standard of: comfortThe Herald (Melbourne, Vic.: 1861 - 1954) Thu 1 Aug 1912 Page 4 VICTORIA COFFEE PALACE. Additions in 5 storeys to Little Collins St frontage to Victoria Coffee Palace building ... one of the largest and most modern in Australia-... The structure rises to a height of 70ft, and' contains five stories. The elevation of the 1stt story is in rubbed bluestone, and above it the front la carried out in brick, with cement dressings in Italian Renaissance style, making it a distinct feature of architecture in this part of the city.On the ground door is a spacious vestibule with double entrances en closed in polished Blackwood, and richly decorated screen glazed with leaded glass of fine designs. The hall and cafe measures 41ft x 26ft, and the fittings are of polished black wood, the ceiling being of decorated plaster. The staircase and lift occupy a space off the hall measuring 25 ft x 13ft. The dining hall is spacious und remarkable for its complete ventilation, and ample flood-of natural light. It opens directly off the entrance ball, and measures 70ft x 55ft. The hall represents the last word in accommodation of this character. The serving room affords ample space for the attendants to work in, being 28ft x 16ft. The pantry and other kitchen appointments are so placed that no smell penetrates from.the cooks' department to the dining room. The original kitchen of the coffee palace is used, and all food cooked there is brought to the serving kitchen, and there kept hot by the latest appetencies in the form of hot plates and-copper vessels. The drawling-rooms, 26ft x 26ft, are on the first floor, where also are situated the writing-room, 30 ft long; smoking room, 2Sft long, and private drawing- room, 59ft long. The upper floors Include sleeping accommodation for 163 guests. On each floor ample bath accommodation is provided; the building has a hot water service and electric light throughout. Every bedroom: has an ample supply of fresh air and natural light and the furnishings throughout are dictated by the best modern taste. The bedrooms on every floor are on the same standard of comfortThe Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Tue 23 Aug 1927 Page 18https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3874590?searchTerm=%22Baptist%20Church%22%20Collins%20architecthttps://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3894517?searchTerm=%22Baptist%20Church%22%20Collins%20architect imageThe Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Tue 29 Nov 1927 Page 7 REAL ESTATE AND BUILDINGcontract secured by Messrs Weavel and Keast for the erection of a large annexe to the Victoria Palace over the rear portion of the Baptist Church property in Collins street...Victoria Coffee Palace extension, and Baptist Church hall prepared by Mr Alexander F Eggleston and Messrs Gawler and Drummond The building will include a spacious lounge and accommodation for Palace guests on the upper floors and a hall for the church congregation on the ground floor The contract puce is £90,000, and the site is held on a ground lease from the church authorities.Cinema Treasures web site, 2020http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/52953?fbclid=IwAR15iyoluNdw48CE-yP_i_tkXh3E5c_-yQXrQVNighKIFlUTlijA9tm46agBuilt in 1927 as a joint venture between the Royal Victoria Hotel and the Collins Street Baptist Church, it opened as the Central Hall in 1928 with seating for 800. It was designed by architects Gawler & Drummond. It was taken over by Oxford Theatres Ltd. in 1942 and opened as the New Central Theatre on 30th October 1942 with Mezhinski in “Professor Mamlock”. After some improvements in 1943 the seating capacity was reduced to 641.On 26th October 1945 it was taken over by the Greater Union chain and played the film “I Live on Grosvenor Square” starring Rex Harrison and Anna Neagle. The film was so popular that the cinema was re-named Grosvenor Theatre and began a policy of playing British films only. In 1955 architects Cowper Murphy & Associates drew plans for a remodel of the theatre.In July 1965 Greater Union opened their new Bercy Theatre on Bourke Street, and the Grosvenor Theatre began playing mediocre films. It was closed on 27th June 1968 with Robert Wagner in “Don’t Just Stand There” and Jack Lord in “The Doomsday Flight”. The interior of the theatre was gutted within weeks of closing and was converted into a car park for the adjacent Victoria Hotel. Contributed by Ken Roe.DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS AND KENNY, SANDS & MCDOUGALL1893Collins St196 Victoria Coffee Palace Co Ltd-Walker, Geo., mgrStone, R. J., hairdresserTown hall-Hodder, James, hall keeperSwanston st1910VICTORIA COFFEE PALACE CO LtdTel 1052, CentralNext Town Hall; 300 beds; electric light—Mrs David Dobie, manageress, 194-196 Collins-st, Melb.(se illust of verandahed and parapeted facade under Professional, and Trades section p1687)John Gray MLA for Swan Hill stayed there.1915192 Moffitt, Mrs Marion , & Co, mantlemakers191-196 Victoria Coffee Palace Co Ltd - Dobie,Mrs D., mngresThomson, Frederick H., hairdresser194-193 Gunn, Afartzi F., optician,AlphaVictoria Coffee Palace Co Ltd . 194 Collins -st, Melb.1920194-198 Victoria Coffee Palace Co LtdThomson, Frederick H., hairdre-...er194-198 Gunn. Martz' F.. opticianTown HallAlphabetical-VICTORIA COFFEE PALACE Co LtdTHE VICTORIA194-6 Collins-st, & 209-221 Lit Collins-st
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Record number:
1253791
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
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| Original | 105916 105917 | 1 JPEG : 524 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |