Still remember when that space was occupied by one of several Timezone video game arcades operating simultaneously in the CBD in the 80s.
As a teen it always felt great to descend into the then dimly-lit subterranean space, anticipating what new games might be on offer. Sigh.
Its transformation into the long-running 'Arfur Daley' status quo was, to say the least, disappointing. I think I've been in the current establishment twice, both times looking for cheap Halloween tat.
Ooh... That rings a bell, and now I'm wondering if it was a McDonalds after, Timezone, or if I'm remembering it wrong and there were two large subterranean places in that section of Swanston BITD, and Arthur Daley's was the Maccas (your tiling note makes me think so) and TZ was at a slightly different address a couple of doors away...
I remember Timezone was carpeted - black I think, with stairs partway down to a landing with a railing before continuing to the floor.
Ah, I haven't been in the CBD for a couple of months cos reasons (though my day job in-house location is literally on Swanston) so not sure which place that is - the only underground clothing shop I can think of off top of head in that stretch is/was under the Capitol Theatre.
There also used to be an underground Hungry Jacks in the section between Collins and Bourke - for some reason was thinking that's where a discount chemist is now, but again not sure.
Quick update! Just found some info on an old arcade game forum, turns out we were all correct about Arthur Daleys!
That staircase split halfway (at the landing I mentioned) and down the left went to McDonalds and down the right went to Timezone!
Reading that brought memories back, both of that layout and also when Arthur Daleys first opened I recalled thinking, "Oh, they made it all one thing..." 😂
Aha, thanks for that confirmation - totally Maccas flooring (and the carpet in the arcade I vaguely remember would have been ripped up long ago). 👍 🏆
Joanna Holman
Ian Malcolm
Lachlan 🇺🇦🇹🇼🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️