Over the past 80 years The Astor has has survived a World War, the advent of video, DVD, movies on demand and the multiplex. But, as told by the owners, they now need protection from a much closer enemy.
“The neighbouring St Michael’s Grammar School was portrayed as a white knight when it purchased the building that houses The Astor Theatre five years ago. But the school has not responded to the cinema’s efforts to secure a new lease. We fear that when the current lease expires, St Michael’s intends to close the building for five years before re-opening as a private school performing arts centre and uniform shop. The Astor as generations of Australians know it will be gone.”
Hence, our dear friends at The Astor are calling on Melburnians to get active and help protect them – and are holding a friendly launch as an opportunity for Melburnians to show that they believe The Astor is worth preserving.
