Wyndham City is gearing up for the next big chapter in the revitalisation of Werribee City Centre, with exciting plans underway to reimagine the former Palais Theatre site in Station Place.
The Picture Palais theatre and cinema first opened in 1928 and has since had several reincarnations.
With the site due to become vacant by the end of the year, we now intend to explore the feasibility of returning the Palais to its former glory as a cinema, including restoration of its historic façade.
The endorsed Werribee City Centre Structure Plan identifies the opportunity for a boutique cinema as a catalyst for revitalisation, and this site gives us the chance to make that vision a reality.
Current tenants, Cash Converters will be relocating to a central new location on Watton Street in Werribee City Centre in the coming months.
Wyndham City Mayor, Cr Mia Shaw, said the soon-to-be vacant site provides Council with an exciting opportunity.
“In early 2024, Wyndham City made a strategic decision to purchase the former Palais Theatre site in Station Place to protect this important piece of Werribee’s history and guide the type of development that we will see there in the future,” Cr Shaw said.
“With the site due to become vacant by the end of the year, we now intend to explore the feasibility of returning the Palais to its former glory as a cinema, including restoration of its historic facade.”
“Our community has been clear – they want a city centre that’s vibrant, safe and offers more to see and do, and this site represents a significant opportunity to boost activity and vibrancy in the City Centre.”
“The former Palais Theatre site is a key part of our Rediscover Werribee City Centre program, which will deliver upgrades, events and initiatives that celebrate Werribee’s heritage and prepare it for the future.”
“This builds on recent City Centre investments including a $10 million redevelopment of the Wyndham Cultural Centre, the $13 million redevelopment of Wyndham Park, the reactivation of the Bridge Hotel, and delivery of the Hunter Werribee building with Holiday Inn, offices, shops and public parking.”
“We have also recently awarded the construction contract for the $2 million Duncans Road streetscape upgrade – which will deliver brand-new bluestone footpaths, feature seating platforms, landscaping, a raised pedestrian crossing and more – with works to kick off in early 2026.”
For more information on the Rediscover Werribee City Centre strategy, visit: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/rediscover-werribee-cc