Empire Revival, a thriving antiques and vintage marketplace in Brisbane’s Paddington, has just celebrated 40 years in business, inside a 96-year-old former theatre where whispers of history still linger.
From Cinema to Community Favourite
Empire Revival marked 40 years in business at the end of May, with locals and longtime stallholders dressing up in vintage outfits to celebrate. The store has operated inside the historic Plaza Theatre in Paddington, a 1929-built atmospheric cinema, since the mid-1980s.
Once known for its starry ceilings and moving clouds, the theatre stopped showing films in 1968 and was later used as a basketball court and office space.
It became the Paddington Antique Centre in 1985 before current owner Suzy Baines took over and renamed it Empire Revival in 2018. Baines now runs the store with her daughter Olivia, offering antiques, retro fashion, homewares and art.
A Marketplace with Character
Empire Revival has grown into a local institution, now housing more than 50 stallholders under one roof. The 1000-square-metre venue offers everything from jewellery and vintage clothing to retro furniture and rare collectibles. Each stall is independently curated, while central sales and staffing are handled by the main business team.
The shop’s format allows vendors to concentrate on sourcing and styling their goods, making it easier for creative small business owners to flourish. The long-standing model has proven adaptable over the years, especially during economic downturns when shoppers often turn to second-hand goods for value.
History That Still Lingers
The spirit of the old cinema is more than just architectural. Staff and visitors have reported unusual experiences inside the building, including stories about a mysterious woman known as “Netty” who’s said to appear in a sequinned gown. Some claim to have seen her, while others have described a strange but not unpleasant energy in certain parts of the store.
In another nod to its past, a plaque bearing the Plaza Theatre’s name still remains in the foyer floor. Shoppers today walk among vintage treasures while surrounded by features from the theatre’s original design, including ornamental balconies and a proscenium arch.
Looking Ahead with Local Support
To celebrate its 40th year, Empire Revival held an exhibition of vintage cinema gear from a local collector, highlighting the building’s cultural past. The store has added features like a second-hand book room beneath the stage and an upstairs gallery for artists.
Owner Suzy Baines has also grown the business regionally, with a location in Kalbar and plans for Murwillumbah’s 1947 Regent Theatre. Despite the expansion, the Paddington site remains the centre of its community. Locals and visitors continue to be drawn to its blend of heritage atmosphere and vintage retail.
Published 12-June-2025
