After years of research, plans, reports and meeting approvals – all at considerable cost – visible work can now begin on the Scone Civic Theatre.

Stage one of the project is the restoration of the landmark’s exterior. A $40,000 grant was approved last year by the Office of Environment & Heritage.

The funds will contribute to approximately four per cent of the overall cost of the initial phase. Within the next couple of months, a road safety concrete barricade will also be installed, including scaffold and security fencing.

Stage two will then be the refurbishment of the internal ground level of the theatre, making it available to be used as a Community Multifunction Centre with concealed modern conveniences.

Andrew McPhee, from McPhee’s Building, said the local community was fortunate that the theatre would return to its former glory under the owner, Professor Coroneo.

“He played and worked in his parents’ theatre as a child, and holds those memories close to his heart to take on this major financial task,” he said.

“Professor Coroneo was a local Scone boy whose parents ran the theatre from 1947 up until 1969, when they moved to Sydney.

“They left the theatre to be managed by Joan Collison and assisted by husband Brian.

“The ongoing viability and cost of maintenance remained a serious concern for them.

“With the passing of Theo and Anna Coroneo, it was time for re-evaluation.

“What was missing was a business plan that would make the Civic viable long-term and ensure its survival for the local community.

“Professor Coroneo, drawing on his experience, came up with the idea of a convention or multifunction centre while retaining the original purpose of the Civic.

“He has the intention of restoring the exterior of the theatre like for like, back to its original glory, as it was when the doors were opened in 1938, with the neon lighting being described as a ‘blaze of splendour’”.

In the early days, the theatre was seen as a sign of progress for the town of Scone.

Inevitably, with progress came change as television and subsequent technologies allowed easy and inexpensive access to movies.

The financial viability of theatres became marginal, with many around the world either closing or repurposing.

However, throughout the years the Civic has remained intact, unlike many such cinemas, largely because the owners would not contemplate its sale or destruction.

Professor Coroneo said he was pleased the building would come to life once again, to be used and enjoyed by the local community.