United Cinemas Collaroy opens its doors following refurbishment

The boss of United Cinemas has spoken about the spectacular refurbishment of his Collaroy venue and what it is like going into business with a Hollywood A-lister.

United Cinemas owner Roy Mustaca at his Collaroy cinema which has just been reopened after COVID-19 restrictions. Picture: Madelaine Wong

One of Sydney’s oldest heritage cinemas has reopened following a major refurbishment which has seen it restored to its former glory.

United Cinemas independent owner Roy Mustaca has a chain of 10 cinemas across Australia, which have all been shutdown for the last 10 months due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Major restoration work has taken place at United Cinemas Collaroy, with fresh ceilings, walls and its original vintage lights restored. Picture: Madelaine Wong

Mr Mustaca said he bought the Collaroy cinema 33 years ago, originally built in 1938, and it is the only one of his cinemas which has reopened.

“It’s been a very difficult year, it’s been difficult for everyone but especially the cinema industry because we’ve been closed a long time,” Mr Mustaca said.

Owner of United Cinemas Roy Mustaca at his Collaroy heritage building, which has just received restoration works. Picture: Madelaine Wong

“We’re showing the same amount of movies as we used to. As for capacity, we are being Covid safe, so everyone has a bubble around them and will be wearing masks.”

He explained the detail that went into the Collaroy cinema refurbishment.

“When we closed this year, and we thought it was a good opportunity. We thought we were going to do a little, but when we started it was difficult to stop because we really wanted to make it beautiful again.

Handmade film themed lighting in the recently refurbished United Cinemas Collaroy. Picture: Madelaine Wong

A vintage projector on display in the bar area of United Cinemas Collaroy. Picture: Madelaine Wong

“A lot of work went into it because it is an old building and the walls are customised. When we touched them, it all came out. We had to restructure a lot, we actually rendered all the walls again, so it’s been going on for four months.”

Mr Mustaca said it features new marble toilets, new bars, restored timber railing and vintage lights, with works costing hundreds of thousands.

United Cinemas Collaroy has reopened after a 10 month shutdown period due to COVID-19 restrictions, Picture: Madelaine Wong

Another $1m is set to be spent on the second stage of the refurbishment over the next 12 months.

United Cinemas Warriewood received refurbishments at the same time with fresh carpet and paint, new seats and airconditioning.

United Cinemas Collaroy theatre following a major refurbishment of the heritage building. Picture: Madelaine Wong

It comes as United Cinemas recently struck a deal with Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg who owns burger chain Wahlburgers.

The movie-themed restaurants will open in 15 locations inside or next to United cinemas in Australia including Warriewood and Narellan in Sydney, Craigieburn in Melbourne, Indooroopilly in Brisbane and Rockingham in Perth.

December 14, 2020 - Mark Wahlberg during a meeting at Sofitel Darling Harbour with United Cinemas owner Roy Mustaca. Picture: Chris Khoury

“Mark was in Australia not long ago and he visited us. He’s gone back to the US now. We have a lot in common - God, music, food and movies, so it was a perfect marriage.

“Wahlburgers has a more superior burger than what we’re used to, so I think it’s going to do well. Possibly the first site will be at the Opera Quays theatre in a few months.”

The business venture is set to create employment for more than 500 people.

Wahlberg has promised to return for the opening of the first restaurant in Sydney.