Above: Fred Perez and Susan McMahon outside “Lucy Bricks” in 2001 when doubts surrounded the heritagelisted Garfield Picture Theatre’s future.By Sarah Schwager
GARFIELD Picture Theatre owners say plans to reopen the theatre are going slowly but surely after they recently received Cardinia Shire funding.
Susan McMahon and Fred Perez said they had been able to install heritage pressed metal underneath the theatre’s verandah after receiving dollarfordollar funding through the Garfield streetscape program.
Ms McMahon and Mr Perez bought the picture theatre, “Old Lucy Bricks,” seven years ago.
When last reported in the Gazette in February 2001, they were concerned they would not be able to reopen the picture theatre due to difficulties acquiring a planning permit.
At the time, Mr Perez said Cardinia Shire Council had refused to grant a planning permit on the grounds that the verandah they had added was inconsistent with 1924 architecture.
But at this stage, plans to open the theatre within the 10 years they anticipated to complete the project are looking good.
Ms McMahon said while the theatre was not quite complete, it was looking elegant.
She said that with a lot of hard work from them and friends, they hoped to open the 77yearold disused theatre in three years.
At the moment they have a small Bed and Breakfast at the rear of the theatre, which Ms McMahon said had been quite successful.
She said they were also working on a beer garden for guests of the B&B, which, in the future, would accommodate guests of the theatre’s restaurant.
Ms McMahon said they could not wait to cook a few pizzas in their “Leonardos” woodfired oven.
Mr Perez and Ms McMahon say they are grateful for the support they have received in reopening the picture theatre, named “Lucy Bricks” because of the building’s high number of loose bricks.
They said it would be a great addition to their local town.
“Garfield is a fantastic town,” Ms McMahon said.
“It has everything golf course, footy, bowls, pool.
“The council is even building a skate park for the kids.
“It’s great to see the council helping small towns.”
To make a booking at the Garfield Picture Theatre Bed and Breakfast, which costs $110 for a double and $90 for a single, including breakfast, call 5629 2844.
