It was a derelict building that sat dormant for more than a decade, prompting curiosity from locals who daydreamed about what lay beyond those walls on Brunswick Street. Fortunately, for not only local movie buffs but also the cultural fabric of our city, two passionate cinema owners have resurrected the New Farm landmark and will once again usher Brisbane filmgoers through the doors. Brothers Peter and Stephen Sourris, who also own the Yatala Drive-In south of Brisbane, bought the Queensland Heritage Register-listed building early last year and have spent the past 18 months carrying out extensive renovations. Boasting retro carpets, arcade games, vintage theatre relics and old movie posters, the new fit-out tips its hat to the golden age of cinema and the building’s illustrious past.

Six state-of-the-art theatres comprise New Farm Cinemas, two of which will open next week before the remaining four are unveiled later in the year. The 3D-capable Purple and Bronze Rooms will be the first in the country to introduce the Vive surround-sound system, while also proffering plenty of leg room and cosy bean bags built for two. The boutique cinema will screen predominantly mainstream films, launching with Guardians Of The Galaxy at the venue’s grand opening next Friday August 1. Munch on a movie-themed pizza upon a tabletop crafted from salvaged cinema doors, before grabbing a cocktail or glass of wine to take with you into the theatre. The street-level coffee and gelato shop will fuel both cinemagoers and passersby, while the candy bar will offer all the usual movie nibbles.

For contact information and trading hours, check out our Stumble Guide.