A star will be reborn this weekend as a new take on a classic venue opens its doors.
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The revamped Star Theatre at Invermay will screen its first movies on Saturday, signalling the beginning of a new theatre experience in Launceston.
It is the culmination of a six-month renovation for owners Ben Davis, Andrew Quaile and Paul Lee-Archer, who have overseen its transformation from a St Vincent de Paul outlet to a theatre.
Mr Davis said he had enjoyed every part of the process so far.
“It’s been awesome to just be part of this project,” he said.
“I think I’ll enjoy seeing it open just as much as I have working on it throughout the past six months.”
The original Star Theatre opened on October 5, 1937, and was designed by Tasmanian-born architect Guy Crick. It closed in 1969.
Its redevelopment was one of 56 projects to receive a share in $24 million from the Tasmanian Jobs and Investment Fund last year.
Mr Quaile said it was clear the site could still draw a crowd.
“The number of people who have stopped on their way past and wanted to have a look inside has been amazing,” he said.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response.”
The first movies to be shown at the theatre on Saturday include Paddington 2, The Wizard of Oz, Call Me By My Name and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Mr Davis said it was the best time of the year to go to the movies.
“It’s awards season at the moment, so we will be showing some of the nominated films,” he said.
For more information about movie times and tickets, visit the Star Theatre’s website.