Paramount Theatre

25 Courtenay Place, 27 Courtenay Place

25-29 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington
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Photo: Charles Collins, 2015

Photo: WCC - Charles Collins, 2015

Extent: Cityview GIS 2012
Extent: Cityview GIS 2012
The Paramount Milk Bar, Courtenay Place, 1969. (O.038897, John Daley, Te Papa Museum)
The Paramount Milk Bar, Courtenay Place, 1969. (O.038897, John Daley, Te Papa Museum) http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/ObjectDetails.aspx?oid=1253676 
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  • Constructed

    1917 - 1927

  • Heritage Area

    Courtenay Place Heritage Area

  • Architect(s)

    James Bennie

  • Builder(s)

    W.R. Johns

  • A late Edwardian theatre, and the only survivor of a number of theatres designed by James Bennie.

    The façade, including the 1927 parapet, is authentic above verandah-level and contributes to the Courtenay Place Heritage Area.

    It’s Wellington’s oldest-surviving purpose-built cinema. It screened the first “talkie” shown in Australasia in 1929, and was used until 2017 as a venue for the Wellington Film Festival (later part of the New Zealand International Film Festival) and for art-house cinema under its original name Paramount Cinema.

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  • close History

    • The theatre was designed for owner J.J. Williamson, a farmer and landowner from Fielding who had purchased the land for this purpose in 1916. The theatre was designed by architect James Bennie and was erected by day labour under the supervision of W. R. Johns. The original plans do not survive, and this is the only one of a number of theatres that Bennie designed in Wellington that still stands.

      The Paramount opened its doors on 4 August 1917 with the sold-out screening of ‘Less Than Dust’, staring Mary Pickford. At that time the theatre had a full orchestra pit and provided seating for 885 downstairs and 626 in the circle. A number of small businesses occupied the ground floor, including saddlers, a stationary shop and the Paramount Milk Bar.

      The new theatre soon proved popular with Wellingtonians. The Evening Post reported on 1 April 1919, that the Paramount ‘stands as Wellington’s “Theatre of Distinction”, and is known as such among the many patrons who favour this house of amusement with their attendance’. The first ‘talking picture’ shown in New Zealand was at the Paramount Theatre on March 6th, 1929 when moviegoers flocked to see Frank Borzage’s ‘Street Angel’, a silent picture with a recorded musical soundtrack. As silent movies had usually been accompanied by live music, a recorded soundtrack was a novelty.

      In 1953 the Wellington City Council purchased the theatre and land. It remained in their hands until 1960 when it was purchased by the Paramount Theatre Company Ltd, a company formed by four Chinese families to handle their investment.

      Throughout this period, the theatre itself was changed quite radically during several renovations. The first major upgrades were undertaken in 1927 at a cost of £12,900. At this time an Art Deco parapet with the words ‘PARAMOVNT’ was added to the façade. The interior originally comprised of a two level auditorium with 1511 seats, plus retail tenancies on the ground floor and office space at the front of the first floor. The first major changes were made to the interior in 1926, then the 1960s and again in 2004. Today the original seating for some 1200 people on two levels is now reduced to 450 in what was the circle and the movie screen is on top of the former orchestra pit. The exterior ground floor has lost its large, arched, main entrance, but above verandah level the 1927 facade is in authentic condition.

      The Paramount Theatre operated under its original name until 2017 showing a variety of art-house films and was annually one of the key venues to host the Wellington Film Festival (and later the New Zealand International Film Festival). The modest architectural appearance of the theatre belies the important social and historical role it has played in Wellington for over 90 years.

    • Modifications close
      • 1916 - 1917
      • Theatre built. Applicant: W.R. Johns, Owner: JJ Williamson. (00053:189:10374)
      • 1927
      • Alterations designed by James Bennie - the street façade had a parapet added with the name ‘PARAMOVNT’ in relief. (00056:28:B2740)
      • 1929
      • Conveniences added. (00056:85:B8059)
      • 1933
      • New sign erected a new sign. (00056:134:B12194)
      • 1937
      • New sign erected. (00056:187:B16387)
      • unknown
      • New neon sign erected. B16747
      • 1939
      • Existing entrance doors moved closer to the street, extra door added to make a total of five doors. (00056:219:B18711)
      • 1940
      • Ladies conveniences, cloak room and new lounge added. (00056:245:B20384)
      • unknown
      • A stall and ticket booth built on the ground floor.
      • 1943
      • Structural alterations undertaken, including strengthening of internal piers.Structural alterations made to the east and west walls of the main theatre.
      • unknown
      • Structural alterations made to the east and west walls of the main theatre. (00056:288:B23019)
      • 1954
      • Alterations. (00056:482:B36252)
      • 1960
      • Major alterations undertaken. The ground floor converted to offices, orchestra pit filled with concrete and interior ‘changed beyond all recognition’. Circle theatre seating altered, parapet altered, front entrance moved and window altered. Extension of theatre egress stairs, orchestra floor pit, altered stage area. (00058:164:C7646 and 00058:160:C7480) Changes were designed by Kofoed & Arnold Architects.
      • 1961
      • Building alterations. (00058:172:C8006)
      • 1969
      • Building alterations – monorail. (00058:640:C29617)
      • 1977
      • Roof replaced. (00058:1111:C48041)
      • 1983
      • Men’s toilets installed. (00058:0:C61489)
      • 1990
      • Alterations. (00059:431:E21591)
      • 1993
      • Business additions and alterations – restaurant. (00059:612:E27143)
      • 1994
      • Restaurant entrance formed. (00060:104:3798)
      • 1995
      • Commercial building alterations: alterations to exterior and verandah. (00061:66:11992)
      • unknown
      • Original entry to the cinema reinstated, including the addition of three suspended verandahs, new doors and pavement decoration. Interior painted to reflect the old style. Architects were John Duncan and Tommy Honey of Smoked Hoki Design. Seating reduced to 710.
      • 2004
      • Theatre refurbished, including ground floor & level 1, lift, two new cinemas, shop front altered. (00078:1521:120719)
      • 2005
      • Fit-out of ground floor for restaurant. (00078:1517:126490)
      • unknown
      • Re-fit of restaurant and bar. (00078:1533:129957)
      • unknown
      • Shop alterations. (00078:2130:127830)
      • unknown
      • Illuminated sign under verandah. (00078:3440:130291)
      • 2006
      • Restaurant additions and alterations. (00078:2224:145276)
      • 2007
      • Restaurant additions and alterations. (00078:2346:157950)
    • Occupation History close
      • unknown
      • The Paramount Theatre was occupied by the Paramount Picture Theatre until the mid1960s, when the occupancy changed to the Paramount International Cinema. There were a number of small businesses who also occupied shops in the building. They included – but are not limited to – the following businesses:
      • unknown
      • Paramount Picture Theatre Paramount Picture Theatre (Stones 1920 - 1944; Wises 1950-1 to 1961-2 Paramount International Cinema (Wises 1967-8 to 1990 W.R. Kemball, jr., manager (Stones 1930 F. Kemball, manager (Stones 1935 S.S. Bridgford, manager (Stones 1940; Paramount Millinery Co. (Stones 1920 - 1930; Henry McCarthy, stationary (Stones 1920 - 1925; Arthur Laws, saddler (later sports depot (Stones 1920 - 1930; Hope Bros., mens & boys outfitters (Stones 1930 - 1945; Wises 1950-1 to 1971-2. John White Menswear Ltd. (Wises 1975. Paramount Milk Bar (Stones 1940 - 1945. Bennet Ltd., china dealers (Wises 1955 - 1990.
  • close Architectural Information
    • Building Classification(s) close

      Not assessed

    • Architecture close

      The Paramount Theatre is a late Edwardian building designed by noted architect James Bennie.

      The two-storey principal façade is surmounted with a tall parapet that masks the large block of the auditorium beyond. The façade is elegantly composed and detailed in a lightly ornamented but formal style reminiscent of the Glasgow Arts and Crafts school. Although today not much remains of the original building beyond the façade, it is a very important building in the streetscape. New retail spaces have been carefully designed to sit within the building and the broader streetscape and reflect the original pattern of shop-fronts.

      The exterior ground floor has lost its large, arched, main entrance, but from verandah level above the facade is largely in authentic condition. It has a regular band of windows, elongated brackets supporting a cornice, from which rods extend to support the verandah. (The slightly pitched main verandah was supported by a row of rods but today there are just two. The verandah over the entrance retains its rods). Above, is the stepped Art Deco-style parapet with panels inset with the sun motif, and moulded by string courses and shallow cornices. The name ‘PARAMOVNT’ is set in relief in the middle of the parapet.

      The interior has undergone several major renovations and refurbishments. It originally comprised a two level auditorium with 1511 seats, plus retail tenancies on the ground floor and office space at the front of the first floor. Today the original seating for some 1200 people on two levels is now reduced to 450 in what was the circle.

    • Materials close

      Steel-framed, with reinforced concrete foundations and brick masonry interior and exterior walls. The roof is timber-framed and clad with corrugated iron.

    • Setting close

      The Paramount Theatre sits in the middle of the block of largely two-storied buildings between Cambridge Terrace and Tory Street. The building stock in this block is diverse in nature and age but, despite some particularly intrusive modern buildings, it retains a high streetscape quality which contributes significantly to the heritage value and character of Courtenay Place.

      The building is part of a row of five, two storey heritage buildings that sit between the conspicuously large Courtenay Chambers to the east and a group of taller old buildings at the western end of the block. With the generous width of Courtenay Place it is easy to see the stretch of (predominantly low-rise) buildings on both sides of the street and the vistas east and west. At the eastern end, the substantial form of the Embassy Theatre looms over the intersection with Cambridge and Kent Terraces, while behind that are the houses and trees of Mt Victoria.

  • close Cultural Value

    The building is a late Edwardian theatre designed by noted architect James Bennie, and is the only survivor of a number of theatres that Bennie designed.

    The façade, with the parapet added by Bennie in 1927, is authentic above verandah-level and contributes to the streetscape of the Courtenay Place Heritage Area.

    It is the oldest-surviving purpose-built cinema in Wellington and has played an important social and historical role in Wellington’s social life.

    It has national significance as it screened the first “talkie” shown in Australasia in 1929, and until 2017 was used as a venue for the New Zealand International Film Festival and for art-house cinema – still operating under its original name.

    • Aesthetic Value close

      • Architectural

        Does the item have architectural or artistic value for characteristics that may include its design, style, era, form, scale, materials, colour, texture, patina of age, quality of space, craftsmanship, smells, and sounds?

        The building is a late Edwardian theatre designed by noted architect James Bennie, and is the only survivor of a number of theatres that Bennie designed.

      • Group

        Is the item part of a group of buildings, structures, or sites that taken together have coherence because of their age, history, style, scale, materials, or use?

        This building is part of the Courtenay Place Heritage Area and sits amidst a row of five, two storey heritage buildings of a similar scale, age and materials

      • Townscape

        Does the item have townscape value for the part it plays in defining a space or street; providing visual interest; its role as a landmark; or the contribution it makes to the character and sense of place of Wellington?

        The building and its largely authentic 1927 façade contribute positively to the streetscape in Courtenay Place.

    • Historic Value close

      • Association

        Is the item associated with an important historic event, theme, pattern, phase, or activity?

        This theatre was is part of the development of the entertainment industry in Wellington. In particular, it played an important role in the popularity of the cinema and the shift from silent movies to the ‘talkies’ in 1929. This theatre was the first in Australasia to show a ‘talking’ movie.

      • Association

        Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?

        The architect was James Bennie, a significant Wellington architect in the early 20th century.

    • Scientific Value close

      • Archaeological

        Does the item have archaeological value for its ability to provide scientific information about past human activity?

        There was pre-1900 human activity on this site. Although some of the sites have been altered by rebuilding or landscaping or subdivisional change, there is archaeological value in the immediate surrounds.

    • Social Value close

      • Identity Sense Of Place Continuity

        Is the item a focus of community, regional, or national identity? Does the item contribute to sense of place or continuity?

        This building is part of a group of commercial buildings on Courtenay Place which all date from the early 20th century and contribute to the sense of place and continuity of the Courtenay Place Heritage Area.

      • Public Esteem

        Is the item held in high public esteem?

        The Paramount is a movie venue well-known to many generations of film-goers in Wellington. Its association with the annual International Film Festival gives it additional prominence to ardent filmgoers.

    • Level of Cultural Heritage Significance close

      • Authentic

        Does the item have authenticity or integrity because it retains significant fabric from the time of its construction or from later periods when important additions or modifications were carried out?

        The 1927 façade is in largely authentic condition but the interior of the theatre has been much altered.

      • Rare

        Is the item rare, unique, unusual, seminal, influential, or outstanding?

        The Paramount is the oldest purpose-built picture theatre in Wellington city and is the only survivor of a number of theatres that James Bennie designed.

      • Importance

        Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?

        This building is of national significance as it was the venue for the first ‘talkie’ shown in Australasia in March 1929.

    • Local / Regional / National / International Importance close

      Not assessed

  • close Site Detail

    • District Plan Number

      16/ 63/3

    • Legal Description

      Lot 1 DP3444, Lot 1 DP3595

    • Heritage New Zealand Listed

      2/Historic Place 4160

    • Archaeological Site

      Central City NZAA R27/270

    • Current Uses

      unknown

    • Former Uses

      unknown

    • Has building been funded

      No

    • Funding Amount

      Not applicable

    • Earthquake Prone Status

      124 Notice

  • close Additional Information
    • Sources close
      • CT WN909/87, Land Information New Zealand
      • Ginders, Ben. Paramount: Conservation Plan, October 2000, unpublished.
      • Historic Places Trust, “Bennie, James”, Professional Biographies, Accessed: August 2012,
      • Lascelles, David. Eighty Turbulent Years: The Paramount Theatre Wellington 1917-1997, Millwood Press, 1997.
      • “Paramount: Cinema Since 1917”, Accessed: August 2012,
      • Stones Street Directories
      • “This Month In History 2012”, Historic Places Trust, Accessed: August 2012,
      • Wellington City Council, Courtenay Place Heritage Area Report. (Welllington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006).
      • Wellington City Council, Courtenay Place Heritage Area spreadsheet. (Wellington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006).
      • Wellington City Council, Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 2001: Non-Residential Buildings. Wellington City Council, 2001.
      • Newspapers: ‘Never say die for the Paramount’, The Wellingtonian, 16 September 2004.
      • Newspapers: ‘Paramount Continuous Picture Theatre’, Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 76, 1 April 1919.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place- theatre and shops [Paramount Theatre]”, 1916, 00053:189:10374, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - alterations”, 1927, 00056:28:B2740, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] – conveniences”, 1929, 00056:85:B8059, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “27-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - erect sign”, 1933, 00056:134:B12194, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place - erect sign”, 1937, 00056:187:B16387, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place - erect neon sign”, 1937, 00056:191:B16747, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - entrance doors”, 1939, 00056:219:B18711, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] – wall”, 1940, 00056:244:B20327, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - ladies conveniences and cloak room”, 1940, 00056:245:B20384, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - structural alterations to the Paramount Theatre”, 1943, 00056:288:B23019, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] – alterations”, 1954, 00056:482:B36252, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - theatre alterations”, 1960, 00058:160:C7480, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - building alterations”, 1960, 00058:164:C7646, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - building alterations”, 1961, 00058:172:C8006, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - building alterations – monorail”, 1969, 00058:640:C29617, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] – roof”, 1977, 00058:1111:C48041, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “23-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - men's toilets”, 1983, 00058:0:C61489, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “27 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - Paramount Theatre, cinema alterations”, 1990, 00059:431:E21591, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “27 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - business additions and alterations – restaurant”, 1993, 00059:612:E27143, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “27 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - Paramount Theatre, restaurant entrance”, 1994, 00060:104:3798, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “27 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - commercial building alterations”, 1995, 00061:66:11992, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place, Paramount Theatre – refurbishment”, 2004, 00078:1521:120719, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place - tenancy fit-out for restaurant and ground floor”, 2005, 00078:1517:126490, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place - refit of restaurant and bar”, 2005, 00078:1533:129957, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place - shop alterations”, 2005, 00078:2130:127830, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25-29 Courtenay Place [25 Courtenay Place] - illuminated sign under verandah for tenancy 3”, 2005, 00078:3440:130291, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place - restaurant additions and alterations, tenancy 5”, 2006, 00078:2224:145276, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: “25 Courtenay Place - restaurant additions and alterations”, 2007, 00078:2346:157950, Wellington City Archives.
      • Archives: Wellington City Council Records
      • Archives: “Heritage Building”. 1997. 1041-06-COU25 Vol1, Wellington City Council Records.
    • Technical Documentation close
    • Footnotes close

      Not available

Last updated: 12/10/2017 10:43:32 PM