Films may return to Double Bay

Films may return to Double Bay

Woollahra Mayor Andrew Petrie outside the former Double Bay cinema.

When the Village Twin on New South Head Rd closed in July 2004, it left locals with nowhere to head for their movies but the big screens at Bondi Junction. When local business people talk about economic problems in Double Bay, they often mention the closing of the cinema as a bad blow.

The owners of the building at 376-382 New South Head Rd have other ideas, however.

The Fivex Commercial Property, owned by the Berger family, has applied to Woollahra Council for permission to open a rooftop cinema on the site.

The rooftop cinema was the brainchild of Joshua Berger, his son Lesli, the company’s general manager, said.

“He thought it would be something that would be very interesting and ideal for Double Bay, especially given the closure of the cinema, which I think is something the community sorely misses,” Lesli Berger said.

The plan is now before council and is going through the notifications process. Mr Berger said he hoped the community would get behind the cinema, as it would be good for other local businesses.

“It’s not something we personally think we’re going to make a lot of money out of,” he said.

“We see this as having social significance more than anything else. We think it’s important for Double Bay.”

Wentworth Courier 15 April, 2009

By Jennifer Bennett