Yesterday we broke the news that a planning permit had been lodged and was up for discussion regarding the partial demolition of Melbourne’s East Brunswick Club to make way for a five-story apartment complex. The application appeared to suggest that the band room would be demolished but that the public bar and kitchen would remain after the development. You can read the application below:
Partial demolition of an existing building, the development of a multi-storey building (five storeys plus basement) for shop and dwellings, use of the land for the purposes of dwellings, the continued use of part of the land for the purpose of an hotel and office space, waiver of loading bay requirements associated with the shop use and reduction in car parking requirements for the dwellings and shop
We’ve been reaching out the multiple people at the venue but no one is willing to talk on the record. The bookers however did make a statement to Mess+Noise and indicated that they have also been left in the dark regarding to application.
“It was as much of a surprise to us as everybody else,” said a spokesperson. “We’re in the process of trying to find out exactly what’s going on. All we know is that no shows are being cancelled. We’ve actually got a bunch of amazing Laneway stuff coming up. We’ve got Fucked Up, Jim Ward and a bunch of other amazing gigs.”
This wasn’t the news many fans of the venue would be looking for and further adds to the mystery surrounding the planning application. Looking at the Victorian Heritage Database we can see that the original public bar is under a heritage overlay by the Moreland City Council, but it is unlikely the owners will see an issue demolishing the band room which was added to the venue after they purchased an adjoining shopfront.
We’ve heard whispers that the although no immediate shows would be cancelled not to expect any shows after the first few months of 2012. We’ll let you know if we hear anything more.
