Croydon Cinemas to close after 45 years after struggling post pandemic

It boasted some of Melbourne’s cheapest movie tickets, but after 45 years the lights are set to dim on a much loved independent cinema in the outer east.

Croydon Cinemas is closing on March 29 after more than 45 years. Picture: Stuart Milligan

After 45 years, the lights are set to dim at a beloved independent cinema in Melbourne’s outer east.

The curtains will close at Croydon Cinemas on March 29, after showing countless movies for almost half a century since Boxing Day 1977.

“We are closing down due to the slow recovery of the cinema industry post pandemic,” the cinema posted on Facebook.

“We thank our much loved loyal patrons and hope you continue your appreciation of the magic of film.”

Hundreds of locals have shared their sadness at “absolutely devastating” news on social media, with many sharing fond memories of walking up the cinema stairs and the smell of popcorn at the “great little suburban cinema”.

At just $10 a ticket and $8.50 for seniors, the cinemas also offered some of the cheapest tickets in Melbourne.

It comes as Melbourne’s biggest and longest-running drive-in theatre is also set to close this year.

Lunar Drive-In in Dandenong was sold by brothers David and Matt Kilderry to Australian developers Pellicano in December last year.

Many discovered the magic of the big screen at the venue, with Young Einstein, BMX Bandits and The Lion King among the hits film fans remember attending.

Prue Baum has been going to the cinema since she was a child, and remembers when there used to be an intermission half way through a screening, where patrons could go and enjoy coffee and biscuits.

Owen Forrest said he was shattered to hear the cinema was closing.

“I hate to see this happen to such a wonderful cinema and staff who are accommodating and lovely to chat to,” he said.

“This is really shocking news and to be frank, not surprising either, thanks to Covid.”

Croydon local Dan Veling said the closure was a terrible loss to the community.

“It offered a low-key option for families to see a movie as they charged $10 or less for the latest releases. We also loved the reasonably priced wine and beer they sold,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I doubt it will be the last independent suburban cinema to close.

“Recovering from the pandemic lockdowns and people’s reluctance to sit around strangers has made it so hard for the operators.

“Plus, the rise of online streaming services … has added to the problems for cinemas.

“In the ‘80s and ‘90s movies would take months, if not years, to go from cinemas to VHS or DVD. Now movies are on streaming services within weeks of a cinema release.”

Croydon Cinemas, owned by the Gershov Family since it opened in 1977, is closing. Picture: Supplied.

The Hewish Rd complex, which has been owned by the Gershov family since it opened as a twin-cinema in 1977, was listed for sale last year with agent Aston Commercial.

It boasts four screens, a liquor licence, and room for more than 800 customers.

The complex is being sold after founder and site owner Bennie Gershov died three years ago. His widow Ruth told Leader News last year it was time for someone else to breathe new life into her late husband’s labour of love.

The closure leaves only a handful of independent cinemas left in Melbourne, including Metro Cinemas Boronia, Waverley Cinema in Mt Waverley and Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave.

Metro Cinemas Boronia owner Tom Schouten said the closure of Croydon Cinemas was devastating news.

“It’s the heart of the community it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“It’s a sad day.”

Mr Schouten said the closure was a reflection of how tough things were in the industry.

He said when Covid hit, movie studios turned to streaming, and there had been a lack of good product for cinemas to screen.

“The studios have really killed it for now because people have got used to streaming,” he said.

“When theatres reopened they were releasing films on the same day as streaming services and that was never going to work.”

Tom Schouten and his family have been running Metro Cinemas Boronia for 18 years. Cynthia, Tom, Kristian, and Ellie at the popular cinema complex. Picture: Steve Tanner

But Mr Schouten said there were a lot of great movies set to be released on the big screen this year, including the Super Mario Bros. Movie, and called on movie goers to support their independent cinemas.

“It’s like use it or lose it,” he said.

“We’ve been at threat of closing for awhile now but we’re not prepared to accept that.

“We’re fighting this.

“I’ve got a family who are so supportive.

“My daughter Ellie is managing it and she is breaking her back to try and do things.

“Croydon and Boronia (cinemas) are two hubs where people meet – you get lonely people and it gives them somewhere to go, and our staff know a lot of our customers by name.

“If I go back to (a quote from the Australian classic movie) The Castle – we’ve got “The Vibe”.