The old 10-screen cinema at Knox Westfield has been empty for over 20 years, and now, it’s once again sparking the curiosity of locals who are wondering what’s next for the space.
The Village Cinema, which opened in 1988, quickly became a beloved hub for teenagers in the area, it offered a place to watch the latest blockbusters, share a tub of popcorn, and enjoy a night out.
For many, it was the heart of their youth.
Located above JB Hi-Fi in the shopping centre’s Ozone precinct, the cinema was one of the first Village-Greater Union-Warner Bros multiplexes in Australia, screening iconic 90s films and drawing crowds from across the region.
However, after closing its doors in 2002, the cinema has sat eerily empty, collecting dust and offering only a faint memory of its once-bustling days.
With no developments for over two decades, the future of the cinema space remains uncertain.
In the years since the cinema’s closure, Knox Westfield has undergone a significant transformation.
The once-popular cinema complex was eventually replaced by a new 15-screen Village Cinema complex in the Ozone, while the entire centre has seen several redevelopments.
Most notably, a $355 million upgrade has brought new stores, restaurants, a library, and even a full-sized basketball court.
But while these new additions have helped reshape the centre into a modern community hub, the vacant cinema space on the third floor remains a quiet reminder of the past.
In response to questions about the future of the former cinema, a Westfield Knox spokesperson said the centre is a community hub that they are constantly evolving to meet the needs of their customers.
“The first stage of our $355 million transformation opened in 2022, reimagining the destination to introduce an expansive mix of new amenities and customer experiences including the new Knox Library and a full-sized basketball court,” the spokesperson said.
“We’re excited to have recently welcomed Timezone and Zone Bowling to the centre, with Dreamskape, Gumnuts Playground, and Toymate set to open from September, further enhancing our family-friendly entertainment offering.”
“While we don’t have any updates to share regarding the former cinema space at this time, we encourage our customers to stay informed about new retailers via the Westfield Knox website.”
While the spokesperson confirmed that no updates are available regarding the vacant cinema, it’s clear that Knox Westfield’s transformation is far from complete.
The addition of Timezone and Zone Bowling, along with upcoming attractions like Dreamskape and Toymate, is part of a broader effort to create a family-friendly entertainment precinct.
However, questions remain – what will become of the former cinema space? Could it be repurposed, or will it continue to stand as a relic of a bygone era?
