The iconic Alex Theatre and Conference Centre in St Kilda, a pillar of Melbourne’s vibrant performing arts scene, has officially been listed for sale. This marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for this beloved cultural hub.
Formerly the George Cinemas, the site at 135 Fitzroy Street first opened in November 1994, screening Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, where for almost two decades, the theatres operated bringing some of Hollywood’s best films to St Kilda.
Palace Cinemas closed the venue in 2010 before it was briefly opened six months later under the Cinema-Aurora brand. In 2013, it reopened as the George Revival Cinema, closing a year later when the building was sold before reopening in 2015 as the multi-purpose arts venue, Alex Theatre.
Driven by a passion for the arts and a commitment to sustainable models for small performing arts venues, owners Susan and Aleksandar Vass OAM helmed the site for a decade, in which time the theatre has not only supported the local arts community but also contributed significantly to the cultural and economic fabric of St Kilda and beyond.
The sale of the Alex Theatre and Conference Centre presents a rare and exciting opportunity for a new owner to carry forward its legacy in St Kilda, with the site offering a diverse range of versatile spaces and the flexibility for a variety of performances, events, and community activities. Set to offer additional appeal to a potential purchaser, the site also offers significant redevelopment potential, ideally suited to multi-level residential or hotel (STCA).
Throughout the past decade, the theatre has played host to a wide range of productions, from live theatre and musicals to independent films and festivals, making it a cornerstone of Melbourne’s cultural scene.
Julian Heatherich, Director at Savills Australia and New Zealand and co-agent for the sale said, “The Alex Theatre and Conference Centre represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire one of Melbourne’s most prominent and well-known properties.
“Its legacy as a home for diverse productions and creative collaboration is unmatched and this sale offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an arts entrepreneur, investor or developer, to take the reins of a site that has become part of the very fabric of St Kilda. Press Release
“With its prime location, strong cultural heritage and potential for repurpose, the Alex Theatre and Conference Centre is poised for its next exciting chapter,” Mr Heatherich added.
“The property is a truly iconic venue that has played an integral role in St Kilda and Melbourne’s performing arts scene,” said Tim Carr, Associate Director - Office Investments, Capital Markets at JLL.
“The theatre’s legacy as a cultural hub provides a unique opportunity for a new owner to build on its rich history while shaping the next chapter for this beloved space given its versatile design and prime location.”
Lots 1, 30 and 31, 135 Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, known as Alex Theatre and Conference Centre, is for sale by Expressions of Interest, closing Thursday 14 November 2024 at 2 pm (AEST) with offers upwards of $9 million expected.
