Megachurch Hillsong has taken over Brisbane's historical Lyceum Theatre, also known as the Tribal Theatre.
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The church, which has campuses in Mt Gravatt, Springfield and central Brisbane, announced the plan in April after years of speculation.
Recent renovations at the old theatre on George Street included signage installed outside, and black paint replacing the old bright red and orange Tribal themes.
The Lyceum has a long and colourful history, opening in 1909 as the city's first silent movie theatre, before changing hands - and names - several times. The theatre was previously owned by Mel Gibson.
It finally closed its doors in 2011, as a travel company operating out of the same building that supported the theatre's film screenings was forced to close.
In April, Hillsong Brisbane released a statement reporting the theatre would be renovated with the "original look and feel" and would retain many of the venue's features.
The initial indications that Hillsong was interested in the theatre sparked fierce opposition from Brisbane residents who wanted to see the old building restored into a public theatre space.
Over the past four years, Hillsong Brisbane previously held Sunday services at the Judith Wright Centre and in other Fortitude Valley locations before outgrowing each location.
Pastor of Hillsong Queensland Steve Dixon said in April the church was looking forward to having a permanent home in Brisbane's CBD.
Its Mt Gravatt centre welcomes hundreds to services each weekend while inner-city services are held at the Pullman Hotel in King George Square.
“We are thrilled to be able to cater for our growth and also ensure we keep some of Brisbane’s history for future generations," Pastor Dixon said.
The renovation was expected to take four or five months from April.
Hillsong was contacted for comment on the current stage of renovations.
