357:. Simeon had come to the colony in 1841as a 21 year old surveyor. He built his Blenheim House on the 1.6 hectares (4 acres) he bought from Marsh, and called his property "Randwick". The brothers bought and sold land profitably in the area and elsewhere. Simeon campaigned for construction of a road from the city to Coogee (achieved in 1853) and promoted the incorporation of the suburb. Pearce sought construction of a church modelled on the church of St. John in his birthplace. In 1857 the first St Jude's stood on the site of the present post office, at the corner of the present Alison Road and Avoca Street.
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so that passengers had to get out and push it free. From its early days
Randwick had a divided society. The wealthy lived elegantly in large houses built when Pearce promoted Randwick and Coogee as a fashionable area. But the market gardens, orchards and piggeries that continued alongside the large estates were the lot of the working class. Even on the later estates that became racing empires, many jockeys and stablehands lived in huts or even under canvas. An even poorer group were the immigrants who existed on the periphery of Randwick in a place called Irishtown, in the area now known as
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381:, Simeon Pearce was furious, especially when he heard that Tait also intended to move into Byron Lodge. Tait's venture prospered, however and he became the first person in Australia to organise racing as a commercial sport. The racecourse made a big difference to the progress of Randwick. The horse-bus gave way to trams that linked the suburb to Sydney and civilisation. Randwick soon became a prosperous and lively place, and it still retains a busy residential, professional and commercial life.
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Australia It has many fine pieces of Art Deco decoration in a restrained Art Deco setting. The Ritz
Theatre is a record of the cinema culture of the 1930s. The building has an excellent ability to interpret aspirations, uses, tastes and importance of cinema in the society of the 1930s It is the last known surviving theatre by A.M. Bolot. Following demolition or alteration of most suburban picture theatres, it is now an important and rare survival.
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Australia. ... The Ritz, which has operated almost continuously as a movie theatre since 1937, has social values as a community cultural entertainment centre in the
Randwick area. The place is also highly valued by the Art Deco Society. ... The Ritz is significant for its intact and well detailed Art Deco design and is a prominent element in the St Paul's Road urban precinct ...
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Randwick was slow to progress. The village was isolated from Sydney by swamps and sandhills, and although a horse-bus was operated by a man named Grice from the late 1850s, the journey was more a test of nerves than a pleasure jaunt. Wind blew sand over the track, and the bus sometimes became bogged,
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intervened and a
Permanent Conservation Order was imposed on the Ritz building in March, 1993. The current owners refurbished the building in the late 1990s, adding additional cinemas to the original single principal cinema theatre in order to allow the Ritz to survive in the era of competition with
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Randwick had been the venue for sporting events, as well as duels and illegal sports, from the early days in the colony's history. Its first racecourse, the Sandy
Racecourse or Old Sand Track, had been a hazardous track over hills and gullies since 1860. When a move was made in 1863 by John Tait, to
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passed the
Municipalities Act, enabling formation of municipal districts empowered to collect rates and borrow money to improve their suburb, Randwick was the first suburb to apply for the status of a municipality. It was approved in February 1859, and its first Council was elected in March 1859.
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The Ritz Cinema is the only one of three remaining theatres of this style in an unaltered state still used as a cinema in New South Wales and is one of the few surviving examples of the hundreds of cinemas which were built during the 1930s, one of the most creative periods of cinematic design in
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It is a very good example of A. M. Bolot's cinema architecture, and is the last surviving of his cinemas. His early association with the architects Walter burley
Griffin and Hollinshed and Gailey has particular significance for tracing the evolution of cinema design in Australia and represents a
477:. Designed in 1948 and completed in late 1951 due to shortages in building materials, it was one of the largest buildings of any type to be constructed in the inner city area following the Second World War. In 1965 Bolot married and lived with his wife in Gommerah an apartment block located at
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The
Randwick Ritz is a good example of a picture theatre showing the smaller scaling and reduced decoration often applied to suburban theatres. It is one of the few surviving examples of the hundreds of cinema which were built during the 1930s, the most creative period of cinematic design in
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The Art Deco linear geometric style is relieved internally by curved walls to the main stair, half landing and curved corners in the foyer and first floor lounge. The auditorium is distinctive through its Art Deco lights in two panels of nine wall lights to either side of the screen and the
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The Ritz
Theatre is socially significant because is a record of the cinema culture of the 1930s. These values have undergone a metamorphosis since the 1930s. The building has an excellent ability to interpret aspirations, uses, tastes and importance of cinema in the society of the 1930s.
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It is an excellent example of the later expressionist style of cinemas showing the evolution of the theatre from the picture palaces of the 1920s, the French inspired art deco designs of early 1930s to the German influenced expressionist futuristic cinemas of the late 1930s.
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in this area was made in 1824 to
Captain Francis Marsh, who received 4.9 hectares (12 acres) bounded by the present Botany and High Streets, Alison and Belmore Roads. In 1839 William Newcombe acquired the land north-west of the present town hall in Avoca Street.
469:. Consisting of thirty-six apartments it is regarded as an outstanding building of interwar functionalist style. Later in 1938 Bolot remodelled the Melba Theatre in Melbourne which was renamed the New Liberty Theatre. In 1941 he remodelled West's Nowra Theatre.
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The Ritz Theatre is of scientific significance because it is an excellent record of a 1930s cinema which is substantially intact with all associated acoustic and ventilation panels, lighting systems, original materials and fabrics and projection room.
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In 1930 Bolot moved to Sydney and set up his own practice. He completed several building projects during the decade ranging from houses and multi-storeyed apartments buildings to incinerators and theatres. During this time Bolot worked with
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It is an example of cinema design and philosophy reflecting the influences of the German dominated cinematic world of the 1920s rather than American Hollywood which has had a mjor and overpoering impact on the world for the past 50 years.
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motif. The plaster decoration to the walls and ceiling is in geometric patterns in low relief with extensive use of grills and reveals. The detailing to the gilded plaster speaker boxes, which flank the main screen is particularly fine.
353:, England. The name was suggested by Simeon Pearce (1821–86) and his brother James. Simeon was born in the English Randwick and the brothers were responsible for the early development of both Randwick and its neighbour,
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In 1942 Bolot joined the army and served as a Warrant Officer in Egypt and New Guinea. After the war Bolot resumed work as an architect and in 1948 designed the landmark apartment building located at 17 Wylde Street,
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The Ritz Theatre is aesthetically significant because the exterior and interior detailing and remaining fittings and finishes are excellent example of the 1930s crafts and skills which are of high aesthetic quality.
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Inquiry pursuant to Section 41 or the Heritage Act 1977 into objections to the making of a permanent conservation order in respect of the buildings known as the Ritz Theatre, Randwick
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The Ritz Theatre is one of the few surviving examples of the hundreds of cinema which were built during the 1930s, the most creative period of cinematic design in Australia.
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The Randwick Ritz has a major rarity value. The Randwick Ritz is one of the very few which remain in Sydney. it is comparable in architectural importance to the Orpheum in
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of this land had typically either moved inland in search of food and shelter, or had died as the result of European disease or confrontation with British colonisers.
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Today, some of the houses have been replaced by home units. Many European migrants have made their homes in the area, along with students and workers at the nearby
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365:, around the junction of St.Paul's Street and Perouse Road. Here families lived in makeshift houses, taking on the most menial tasks in their struggle to survive.
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Institute of Architects Gold medal. Following graduation Bolot worked for Hollinshed and Gailey and whilst there assisted on two notable theatre projects, the
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A conservation plan, plan of conservation management, an assessment of cultural significance, a state of conservation policy for the Ritz Cinema, Randwick
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The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.
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in 1911. Bolot enrolled at Brisbane's Central Technical College to study architecture and graduated in 1926. Upon graduation he was awarded the
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The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.
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The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.
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in the area used the site for fishing and cultural activities; rock engravings, grinding grooves and middens remain in evidence. In 1789
454:. In 1937 Bolot designed the Randwick Ritz for his clients Randwick Estate Ltd. At the same time he also designed the Regal Theatre at
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was created outside the Ritz, with plaques honouring members of the Australian film industry. The walk was initiated by
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reflects the early skyscraper style concept with a strong vertical emphasis expressed by vertical linear ribbing and
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496:). In the late 1980s the current owners planned to demolish the existing cinema and to redevelop the site. However,
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The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.
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The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.
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referred to "a long bay", which became known as Long Bay. Aboriginal people are believed to have inhabited the
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Built in 1937. Alterations made about 1954 to accommodate a wide screen. Interior redecorated around 1963.
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536:. This feeling of strong verticality was even further emphasised by the deliberate stepping of the street
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published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under
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The Ritz Theatre is constructed of brick with a galvanised iron roof supported on angle steel
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Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under
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was born in 1900 in Crimea. To escape persecution against Jewish people, Bolot migrated to
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designed by him in 1957. In 1989 Bolot died leaving a legacy of innovative architecture.
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As at 1 October 1997, the physical condition is good. Archaeological potential is low.
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Research Report on A. Bolot in Amanda Jean., Heritage Assessment Randwick Ritz Theatre
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described at that time as "an outstanding example of its genre" and the Astra at
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region for at least 20,000 years. The population of Aboriginal people between
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Tibbitts, Alex (22 November 2008). "Ushering in the golden age of cinema".
431:. Bolot produced drawings for Griffin for two incinerators, one located at
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Since its construction, the cinema has been owned by, among others, the
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One of the plaques in the Australian Film Walk of Fame outside The Ritz
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over the entrance foyer doors. The awning itself retains its original
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in 1788 has been estimated to have been 1500. Those living south of
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and built in 1937 by C. & B. J. Williams. It was added to the
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people was "Muru-ora-dial". By the mid nineteenth century the
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In 1997, the Ritz Cinema was placed on the (now defunct)
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on 2 April 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.
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1133:Randwick entry, in 'The Book of Sydney Suburbs'
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934:"Cinema history at Randwick's Ritz Theatre"
18:Historic site in New South Wales, Australia
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1115:Heritage Assessment Randwick Ritz Theatre
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679:Register of the National Estate (defunct)
404:Part of the Art Deco interior at The Ritz
349:Randwick takes its name from the town of
1228:Mass media companies established in 1937
800:Department of Planning & Environment
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517:. It has seating capacity of about 900.
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1248:Entertainment venues in New South Wales
1238:New South Wales State Heritage Register
1165:New South Wales State Heritage Register
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795:New South Wales State Heritage Register
614:New South Wales State Heritage Register
492:(an order of nuns running the adjacent
267:New South Wales State Heritage Register
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245:located at 43 St Pauls Street, in the
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524:linear geometric style. The rendered
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1131:Pollon, F.; Healy, G., eds. (1988).
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691:. That (defunct) record notes that:
1086:Architectural Projects P/L (1996).
1024:Cinema Treasures entry for The Ritz
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1106:National Trust Classification Card
962:Jack Ziade v Randwick City Council
838:. Sydney: UNSW Press. p. 67.
465:located at 96 Eilzabeth Bay Road,
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442:Bolot designed two theatres, the
223:Location of Ritz Cinema in Sydney
132:New South Wales Heritage Register
35:The Ritz Cinema, pictured in 2009
1223:1937 establishments in Australia
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981:Commission of Enquiry 1985:10,18
836:The Americanization of Australia
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505:larger multiplex cinema chains.
269:on 2 April 1999. The architect,
261:, Australia. It was designed by
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1208:Art Deco architecture in Sydney
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890:Randwick Library webpage, 2003.
685:Register of the National Estate
612:Ritz Theatre was listed on the
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1174:, accessed on 1 June 2018.
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1095:Attraction Homepage (2007).
1049:Australian Heritage Database
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578:Australian Film Walk of Fame
564:Australian Film Walk of Fame
551:continuous ground glass box
423:Comedy and Brisbane Regent.
182:Recreation and Entertainment
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1122:O'Connell, Charles (1985).
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689:Australian Heritage Council
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1218:Theatres completed in 1937
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1243:Randwick, New South Wales
1033:, accessed on 8 May 2009.
914:Pollen & Healy, 1988.
865:The Sydney Morning Herald
532:, as well as the stepped
351:Randwick, Gloucestershire
257:local government area of
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390:Prince of Wales Hospital
966:[2001] NSWSC 18
596:Modifications and dates
461:In 1938 Bolot designed
317:to Botany Bay were the
241:, is a heritage-listed
190:C. & B. J. Williams
1140:Veale, Sharon (1995).
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150:State heritage (built)
116:Architectural style(s)
1113:Jean, Amanda (1995).
1054:Australian Government
972:(NSW, Australia).
834:Bell, Philip (1998).
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502:Minister for Planning
498:Randwick City Council
488:cinema group and the
429:Walter Burley Griffin
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1104:Chapman, W. (1984).
1029:11 June 2008 at the
1002:Jean, A., 1995:12-13
940:on 18 September 2009
341:One of the earliest
290:Pre-1780s the local
237:, also known as the
82:33.9200°S 151.2433°E
44:43 St Pauls Street,
379:Randwick Racecourse
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286:Indigenous history
163:Reference no.
120:Inter-war Art Deco
87:-33.9200; 151.2433
1203:Cinemas in Sydney
1044:"Place ID 100553"
1014:Jean, A., 1995:13
993:Jean, A., 1995:12
494:Brigidine College
490:Brigidine Sisters
435:and the other at
386:University of NSW
368:In 1858 when the
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158:2 April 1999
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1150:Attribution
509:Description
475:Potts Point
446:Theatre at
409:Aaron Bolot
343:land grants
275:Potts Point
271:Aaron Bolot
263:Aaron Bolot
235:Ritz Cinema
110:Aaron Bolot
85: /
73:151°14′36″E
61:Coordinates
56:, Australia
24:Ritz Cinema
1197:Categories
713:References
437:Willoughby
417:Queensland
377:establish
311:Botany Bay
307:Palm Beach
249:suburb of
155:Designated
70:33°55′12″S
1169:CC-BY 4.0
819:CC-BY 4.0
588:Condition
555:with its
421:Melbourne
106:Architect
1027:Archived
802:. H00348
701:See also
673:Cremorne
553:lighting
448:Goulburn
413:Brisbane
388:and the
363:The Spot
327:Maroubra
296:Governor
251:Randwick
187:Builders
179:Category
46:Randwick
41:Location
1172:licence
1081:. 2007.
822:licence
687:by the
557:chevron
534:parapet
530:reeding
515:trusses
463:Ashdown
456:Gosford
433:Pyrmont
319:Cadigal
281:History
253:in the
1059:17 May
842:
806:1 June
545:soffit
538:awning
526:facade
355:Coogee
323:Dharug
303:Sydney
247:Sydney
243:cinema
174:Cinema
964:
944:8 May
486:Hoyts
452:Wyong
444:Hoyts
98:Built
1061:2009
946:2009
840:ISBN
808:2018
309:and
233:The
171:Type
147:Type
101:1937
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