Hordes of music-lovers have flocked to a new petition which hopes to save Adelaide’s iconic Thebarton Theatre from being razed as part of roadworks by the State Government.
If you’ve ever found yourself enjoying a concert in Adelaide, then there’s a fine chance you’ve found yourself inside the iconic Thebarton Theatre.
First opened back in 1928, the 2,000-capacity venue is located in the Adelaide suburb of Torrensville, and soon became a crucial part of the Adelaide nightlife.
Obtaining heritage listing back in 1982, the venue has played host to some of the biggest bands in the world, including, Nirvana, Metallica, R.E.M., The Clash, Black Sabbath, the Beastie Boys, and many more over the years.
However, the venue’s future may be at risk, with the State Government refusing to rule out the possibility of the venue being razed as part of the ongoing South Road upgrade.
Listen to Nirvana at Adelaide’s Thebarton Theatre:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWgnjL75CbY
As InDaily reports, Heritage Minister and acting Transport Minister David Speirs explained to ABC Radio Adelaide that as part of the South Road upgrade, the Thebarton Theatre and nearby Queen of Angels Church could be purchased and demolished.
“When you are talking about a major project like this and the need to acquire land,” Mr Spiers explained. “It certainly won’t be ignored, iconic buildings such as the Thebarton Theatre cannot be ignored as part of the planning.
“As the Heritage Minister, as the Acting Transport Minister, I’ll certainly be talking to my colleagues about the importance of doing our best to protect those buildings.
“I’m not going to rule anything in or out this morning, but I acknowledge that there are a lot of people in South Australia who have an affection for that building and others along that route.”
While Mr Spiers did acknowledge it is “very early days” in the planning process, a petition has also been launched, asking the State Government to keep their hands of the venue affectionately known to locals as “The Thebby”.
“The South Road upgrade threatens the destruction of Adelaide’s historic prime mid sized venue Thebarton Theatre,” the petition explains. “This venue is the holy grail of music venues to Adelaide live music lovers.
“The destruction of this iconic landmark threatens the live music industry in this state.
“An upgrade to South Road is necessary, but other options exist which can save this great place. These include a proposed tunnel for South Road which would also save a 100 year old church which is also threatened.
“The question needs to be asked – Steven Marshall Premier where will a band that wants to play to 2000 play now? Not all bands are suited to an outdoor venue. Local bands often support interstate and overseas acts when they tour. Thebarton Theatre also maintains a reasonable admission price for their concerts.”
At the time of publication, the petition to save the Thebarton Theatre has amassed almost 1,400 signatures, just 100 short of its initial goal of 1,500.
While it is indeed early days yet, here’s hoping that the State Government do find an alternative solution so that an integral piece of South Australian music history remains untouched by roadworks.
Check out Tash Sultana at the Thebarton Theatre:
