The Lyric
Designed by Hayball, the projects spans two sites; the Lyric Theatre and MacRobertson Chocolates.
Renowned as one of Melbourne’s very first theatres, the Lyric Theatre has been beautifully reimagined as a series of chic apartments, with the original red brick façade from the neighbouring MacRobertson Chocolates factory being preserved to pay homage to the site’s former life. Soaring double-height ceilings in the ground floor lobby create a sense of grandeur and give a nod to Fitzroy’s history of cinema, theatre and storytelling.
| Status: | Completed 2020 | |
| Location: | 338 Gore St, Fitzroy | |
| Type: | Apartments | 155 |
| Penthouse | 1 | |
| Retail spaces | 5 | |
| Architecture: | Hayball | |
| Interiors: | Hayball | |
Architecture
The design of The Lyric is influenced by the area’s industrial history and the site’s former identity as a fashionable theatre. It combines sensitive restoration with a contemporary aesthetic. The decision to preserve the original brick facade led to reusing the original pressed metal ceiling panels in the lobby and incorporating red brick and concrete flooring. From street level, the building’s ash grey brick tiles are arranged horizontally with interlocking solids and voids, which adds character and interest to the design and complements the existing red brick facade.
The building also features a light-filled conservatory that provides study and reading zones for residents, along with a stylish private cinema where The Lyric screens fine films in comfort and style, reminiscent of the old days.
The building also features a light-filled conservatory that provides study and reading zones for residents, along with a stylish private cinema where The Lyric screens fine films in comfort and style, reminiscent of the old days.
Interiors
The materials chosen for the Lyric subtly reference the design of old theatres, with spot lighting, red carpet accents, and dark-stained timber entries for each residence. In contrast, each residence boasts plenty of natural light and city views, celebrating the harmony between nature and architecture.
In the ‘Matinée’ color scheme, the bathroom features a lighter tile that complements the timber grain of the herringbone parquetry floors, along with white benchtops and champagne-accented kitchen joinery. The ‘Encore’ color scheme includes black and white patterned tiles in the bathroom, black benchtops to set off the bronze tapware, and textured white joinery in the kitchen.
In the ‘Matinée’ color scheme, the bathroom features a lighter tile that complements the timber grain of the herringbone parquetry floors, along with white benchtops and champagne-accented kitchen joinery. The ‘Encore’ color scheme includes black and white patterned tiles in the bathroom, black benchtops to set off the bronze tapware, and textured white joinery in the kitchen.
History
The Lyric, located in the vibrant streets of Fitzroy, was once one of Melbourne’s earliest theatres. From as early as 1911, the Lyric Theatre was screening silent films, boasting a seating capacity of 2,300. At the time, it was considered one of the most modern theatres for picture shows in the state. The auditorium featured a stunning Art Nouveau pressed metal ceiling and a curved design that covered the entire space in a seamless curve. A life at The Lyric today is one of harmony. Everything has been designed to work together, from the exquisite communal spaces to the exclusive lifestyle app, which is only available to residents.
Suburb Profile.
Fitzroy 3065
Fitzroy occupies a special place in the heart of Melburnians. When you live in a place where the best food, drink, art and culture that the city has to offer is within walking distance, few want to give up the luxury. Renowned as Melbourne’s creative heart and soul, Fitzroy is a place where people happily spend a lifetime.