Residents concerned for potential development of Seymour Cinema on Tallarook St

Locals who live in the area of a $4m proposed cinema in a town in Victoria’s north have questioned whether there’s a better location for the project.

The proposed plan for multi-level cinema on Tallarook St in Seymour will be decided on by the Mitchell Shire Council at one of their council meetings in the future. Picture: Supplied

A proposed development plan for a $4.75m multi-level cinema in Seymour has sparked excitement and concern among the local community.

The plan includes a 13.5m building complex on Tallarook Street, featuring two cinemas — a 32-seat gold class style theater and a 117-seat family cinema — along with various entertainment facilities such as an arcade games area, simulated x-golf facility, eight-lane bowling alley, and a café with a terrace.

The proposed site — that used to be an old church’s tennis court — is located opposite Seymour KFC and adjacent to the Seymour Shopping Centre.

However, the application, which was submitted to the Mitchell Shire Council on April 7 last year, has received eight objections from residents.

The primary concerns raised relate to the location of the cinema complex on Tallarook St, as it may impact the privacy and lifestyle of neighbouring residents.

The 13.5m multi-level cinema complex was proposed on Tallrook St in Seymour, in the middle of residential homes. Picture: Jack Colantuono

Lisa Montgomery, who has lived next door to the site for almost 30 years, expressed her support for a cinema in Seymour but believed the proposed site was inappropriate.

She raised concerns about the building’s height, which would be close to her fence and potentially disrupt her bedroom.

“The bowling alley would be right next to my room,” she told the Herald Sun on Friday.

She also expressed worries about the noise generated by the adjacent bowling alley and the overlooking terrace of the café, which would encroach upon her backyard and gardening activities.

Her husband, Bill Montgomery, also had concerns on the project.

“My main concern is the fact there’s been no mapping since the floods in October which were 600mm higher since the 1974 floods,” Mr Montgomery said.

“Also — the fact we’re going through a state government inquiry with those floods now — I think it would just be a risk to make big infrastructure decisions before finding out the recommendations from the inquiry.

“If people can’t park in any of the 29 car spots, they will park along Tallarook St.”

The ground floor plan of the Seymour Cinema Complex. Picture: Supplied

Next door to the Montgomerys, John Blackwell has lived in the area for 40 years.

He agrees the cinema is a great idea for Seymour but is in “the wrong place”.

“The issue is overshadowing — not just my neighbour’s home but my home as well,” Mr Blackwell said.

Along with Mrs Montgomery, he had an issue with the noise the cinema would make as well as the increased traffic along the street.

“Parking would be a real issue — and you would hear the thumping and vibration when people are playing bowling,” he said.

“I also don’t understand how someone could put a huge wall that is blocking natural light to our homes.”

However, not all residents share the same concerns.

Lorraine Easton, a local resident, called the establishment of a cinema in Seymour a “miracle” and emphasized the potential benefits it would bring to the town.

“The benefits for Seymour would be unlimited,” Ms Easton said.

“I truly believe this would be such a positive move for youth, adults, families and those who are ageing.

“We need to engage our young people.”

First floor plan — Seymour Cinema Complex. Picture: Supplied

Opinions on the proposed cinema were also divided among users of a public Seymour community Facebook group.

Some expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the cinema becoming a reality, while others saw it as a much-needed addition to the community.

“Seymour getting a cinema you would be joking,” user Terry Pedler commented.

“Believe it when you see it — it won’t happen,” Jo Anderson commented.

“Such a shame as a cinema would be great for the community,” Deanna Saunders wrote.

The Mitchell Shire Council discussed the proposal during a meeting on June 5 and decided to reject it.

However, the project will be revisited at a council meeting in July for further discussion.

If the plan ultimately receives approval, the Seymour Cinema complex is expected to operate from 9am to 12am on Sundays to Thursdays and from 9am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.