Cronulla Cinema to be re-branded a GU Film House, with focus on arthouse and niche films

The name is derived from Greater Union, which became part of Event Hospitality & Entertainment, which also operates the Westfield Miranda cinema complex.

There are two other GU Film Houses, both in South Australia, at Glenelg and in Adelaide.

As part of the re-branding, the Cronulla Cinema foyer has been revamped, with a new licensed cafe, but no upgrade of the cinemas is planned.

Approval has been sought from Sutherland Shire Council for “modest” new signage to be erected on the historic building, which opened in 1928.

A development application said historic and heritage listed cinema buildings were “important for their social and civic prominence in a community like Cronulla”, illustrated by past community efforts to save the building.

“The only means by which they can achieve long term survival is to remain commercially viable,” the application said.

“The proposed signage is an essential part of the commercial operations of the cinema and its ongoing is by far the most important means by which the heritage can be maintained and enjoyed

A spokesman for Event Hospitality & Entertainment said the cinema had “a loyal customer base”, who were “providing a lot of positive feedback” regarding the changes.

“The focus is on screening arthouse and niche films and offering a variety of product including alternate content, such as the always popular Andre Rieu or the latest spectacular production of the Australian Ballet, while still showing the big blockbuster films everyone loves,” he said.

The spokesman said the decor of a GU Film House was “subtlety understated with a style and finesse that blends in well with this new arthouse concept”.

The historic building is also changing in other ways.

Seaside Dumplings operates in part of the old McDonald’s premises, Souvlaki Bar is being fitted out and Yael’s Kitchen is also coming.