Wyndham council spends $4 million on former theatre

The former Palais theatre building in Werribee which has been bought by Wyndham council. (supplied) 374273_01

Cade Lucas

Wyndham council has paid $4.4 million for the historic former Palais theatre site in Werribee.

The site in Station Place, which is currently home to a Cash Converters outlet, was originally opened in 1928 as the Picture Palais theatre and cinema.

The property was listed for sale in November last year by Fitzroy’s estate agents on behalf of longtime owners, the Carter family.

Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera, said council chose to purchase

the site as part of its efforts to rejuvenate central Werribee.

“In recent years Wyndham City has invested heavily in the Werribee city centre,

including a $13 million redevelopment of Wyndham Park, reactivation of the Bridge

Hotel and the Hunter Werribee building with Holiday Inn, offices, shops and public

parking,” Cr Barrera said.

“Council’s strategic decision to purchase the old Palais theatre site means we’re

able to guide the type of development that we will see there in the future, in keeping

with our vision for the Werribee city centre.”

Wyndham councillor Mia Shaw said buying the property was in investment in Wyndham’s future.

“This acquisition is all about making Werribee city centre a more vibrant and

exciting place to be for our residents and visitors, and will ensure a lasting legacy for

our community,” she said.

“Council will now work closely with the current tenants as we look at the long-term

future of the site.”

Fitzroys estate agent Chris Kombi helped sell the

the two-level 1,000sqm site and said it presented Wyndham council with plenty of options.

“Currently occupied by ASX-listed Cash Converters, the asset also gives the council a secure

income stream from a high-quality tenant,” he said.

Mr Kombi and colleague Ervin Niyaz acted on behalf of the Carter family, successful poultry farmers with a long

and history in Werribee dating back to 1879.

The Palais is one of several notable buildings have been

constructed by and for the family in the area, including Villa Franca and Roland Carter House.

Chris Kombi said the sale of the Palais building was a significant moment for Wyndham real estate.

“The interest in campaign clearly reflected that Werribee is now the commercial and cultural

centre of Wyndham, having developed a retail, office and lifestyle offering that draws and

services residents, workers and students locally and from the surrounding suburbs,” Kombi

said.

“Werribee is currently undergoing a period of revitalisation and development as both it and

Wyndham experience unprecedented population growth.”