The Britannia Theatre, Bourke Street, C.1925
Opened in 1912, The Britannia Theatre was built to screen motion pictures. It was owned by the J D Williams Co, the owners of the earlier Melba Theatre immediately to its east. The Britannia could seat over 1000, and it prided itself on providing patrons with the comfort of wide seats and a 'scientific ventilation system' for the supply of fresh air. The interior was adorned with frescoes, and columns supported the roof of the auditorium. The exterior was illuminated with electric globes, and the parapet had a sculpture of Britannia. The theatre was designed by the architect, Nahum Barnet.
The theatre was closed and demolished around 1933. Its site, and adjoining sites, redeveloped with a Woolworth's variety store. That being Melbourne's first Woolworth's Store. This is now the site of the Centrepoint Mall in Bourke Street.