A unique piece of Footscray’s cultural history has hit the market.
The former Footscray Grand Theatre at 8 Paisley Street, Footscray, has been listed for sale, offering prospective buyers the chance to restore the landmark building to its former glory.
Originally opened in 1911, the Grand Theatre was one of Melbourne’s earliest suburban cinemas, renowned for its impressive scale.
The venue entertained generations of locals before closing its doors in 1987, marking the end of an era for Footscray’s entertainment scene.
In the decades since, the building sitting above the Paisley Street bus interchange has largely receded from view, with panelling over its facade leaving many locals unaware it even exists.
But with the 844 sqm theatre now up for sale, that looks set to change, with bids of up to $2 million expected.
Savills Australia and New Zealand is handling the sale through agents Julian Heatherich and Beau Bakhtani.
Mr Heatherich said the property would appeal to buyers who recognise the cultural and architectural importance of the building and see value in bringing it back to life.
“The Grand Theatre is in need of work, but its bones and history are remarkable,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for an astute buyer to breathe new life into one of Melbourne’s most character-filled buildings and reimagine it for the next generation.”
Mr Bakhtani said the theatre would attract strong interest from creative and design-led purchasers.
“Footscray is going through a period of transformation, and sites like this – rich in history yet ready for renewal – are incredibly rare,” he said.
“Whether it’s restored as a creative venue, hospitality space or adapted for mixed use, 8 Paisley Street has the potential to become a landmark once again.”
The announcement of the sale sparked interest on local Facebook groups, with some calling for it to be turned into a live music venue or returned to being a cinema.
Derelict and empty buildings have long plagued the Footscray CBD and are considered a factor in the rising in crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
