Melbourne is at risk of losing another iconic live music venue, with news that the historic Palais Theatre in St Kilda is at “imminent risk of closure,” according to an appeal by local council.
Scaffolding is currently erected around the perimeter of the nearly-3,000 capacity theatre as Port Phillip Council issues a call-to-arms to State Government in a campaign urging them to front $15 million to keep the Palais open “in the short term,” as The Age reports.
A brochure circulated to state MPs, called ‘Saving The Palais’, is urging for financial assistance in restoring the 87 year old venue which is “in desperate need of repairs,” calling for an additional $25 million to ensure its survival in the long term.
The $15 million in emergency work that Port Phillip council notes needs addressing within six months includes external repairs, upgrading electrics, structural work, fire protection and building compliance, noting that “if we don’t act now, the Palais faces imminent closure.”
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The theatre is owned by the State Government and has been managed by council since 2006 when its 50-year lease expired. Current Port Phillip Mayor Amanda Stevens tells The Age that the call to save the Palais came after identifying significant building issues, erecting the scaffolding to ensure the safe removal of loose stones and architectural features – though the venue’s interior is safe for visiting patrons.
However, former Mayor Dick Gross has criticised his former constituents’ actions, calling the brochure a fear mongering stunt designed to make it look like Port Phillip Council is taking action.
“State governments simply do not take responsiblity for heritage theatres. There is an infrastructure crisis in schools and hospitals, and for them to expect the begging bowl to work is a complete misunderstanding of state politics in an election year,” he tells Fairfax. “[The Palais] needs private investment facilitated by a foresightful government.”
Mr Gross was involved in Council’s plans to undertake $20 million of restoration to the heritage venue in 2008, but only under the provision of developing a shopping and entertainment precinct. But those plans, including the Palais fix-ups, were scrapped following public backlash.
Perhaps pre-empting the inevitable public outcry news of The Palais’ “imminent closure” will bring – especially in the current musical climate where even historic venues are at risk – the Minister For Environment And Climate Change Ryan Smith has said that the government will address a response to Port Phillip’s call.
Minister Smith says a consultant will be appointed to assess the Palais and decide on what repairs and restorations are needed. “This is the right process to guarantee a future for the Palais and cooler heads must prevail,” he said.
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According to the Port Phillip brochure, The Palais currently brings $25 million to local economy annually, and hosts 125 shows a year. Bob Dylan performed at the venue last week, while forthcoming concerts include performances from Boy & Bear, Biffy Clyro, Angus & Julia Stone, The Tea Party, Jimmy Barnes, Dream Theater, Tori Amos, and the just-announced Rordiguez tour.
The Melbourne live music scene has seen a number of its much-loved venues placed at risk recently. Following news that fellow St Kilda icon, The Espy, was put up for sale earlier this year, and the controversial closure of The Palace, just last week, the CBD’s historic Bennetts Lane Jazz Club announced that next year would be its last after 22 years of operation.
In positive news, there have also been a wave of new venues opening across the Victorian capital recently. The former Collingwood site of A Bar Called Barry is being transformed into Forester’s Beer & Music Hall, hot on the heels of the relaunch of the new look Gasometer Hotel, an open air cinema bandroom going full-time, and the introduction of a 2,250 capacity venue to fill the void left behind by The Palace closure.
