Cade Lucas
The Picture Palais building in Werribee could become a boutique cinema as part of plans to refresh the city centre.
The future of the historic building has been a source of speculation since Wyndham council paid $4.4 million to purchase it in February.
Currently home to a Cash Converters outlet, the former movie theatre could return to its former use under the draft Werribee City Centre Plan passed by Wyndham council on April 23.
The prospect of the Picture Palais building being converted into a boutique cinema is mooted as part of plans to turn the surrounding Station Place into a dining and entertainment precinct.
It’s one the so-called ‘big moves’ or high impact projects mentioned in the draft city centre plan which is now open for public feedback.
Wyndham deputy mayor Josh Gilligan said with Wyndham one of the fastest growing regions in Victoria, Werribee’s city centre needed to grow and develop with it.
“The forecast population for the region by 2040 of 505,822 will make it bigger than
the current size of Canberra,” he said.
“The refreshed Werribee City Centre Plan is designed to help shape that growth in a
way the community prefers.”
The current draft plan was itself informed by community feedback provided last year and the latest round of consultation is taking place online and in drop-in sessions until May 22.
Cr Gilligan said given the growth of the Werribee city centre and its importance to the rest of Wyndham, extensive consultation was required.
“Planning for growth is important as Werribee is acknowledged as a Major Activity
Centre and part of the Werribee National Employment and Innovation Cluster by the
State Government,” he said.
“The Werribee City Centre has attracted a number of hospitality and accommodation
businesses, which have increased by 37% since pre-COVID levels in 2019, with ten
new businesses opening in the last 12 months.
“Many of these local business owners, cut their teeth in city venues and have chosen
to bring their experience and passion back to their own neighbourhood here in
Werribee, particularly in relation to our restaurant scene in Watton Street.”
Along with Station Place, the plan incorporates Watton Street, and Synnott Street in to a central precinct with a focus on employment, while the northern, eastern and western edges of the central city form a perimeter precinct of mixed use and residential development.
Wyndham Park, Chirnside Park, Werribee Racecourse and Eagle Stadium are incorporated into a river and recreation precinct.
To provide feedback, visit: www.theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au
