Melbourne's Palace Entertainment Complex looks likely to be demolished to make way for a Victorian state government-approved redevelopment.
Owners and management have begun a last-ditch campaign against the destruction of a venue they claim "lives, breathes and has a heart". Last week, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled that the state has the right to take possession of the land the venue is on, as the leases were found to have expired. The Palace is located on prime real estate, overlooking St Kilda beach. The adjacent, heritage-listed Palais Theatre cannot be demolished, though it will likely undergo a facelift under the new plans.A message from the Palace read, "The [Steve] Bracks Labour (sic) Government wants to demolish our building, our business and our history.
"Melbourne does not have many music venues left. Most of the music venues from the 70s and 80s now have pokies."
Port Phillip Lord Mayor Janet Bolitho dismissed suggestions that that site - known as St Kilda Triangle - will become a shopping mall by the sea, or another high-rise apartment development, claiming, "The triangle is not planned as a shopping centre. It will be what the community said it wants - a vibrant, active precinct for culture, entertainment and other activities.
"Residents can expect an exciting, diverse blend of the old and new. There'll be panoramic views, public open space, and a re-invigorated Palais Theatre, with improved back of house facilities, perhaps a combination of a boutique hotel, galleries, conference centre, shops and much much more," she said.
Owner Alan Evers-Buckland has suggested he is prepared to take the case to the Victorian Supreme Court if need be. Evers-Buckland, who urged supporters to vote against Labor at last Saturday's election, ran against Premier Steve Bracks as the Liberal candidate in the seat of Williamstown. Bracks retained his seat comfortably.
Artists that have graced the Palace stage include The Beastie Boys, Deep Purple, Dinosaur Jnr, Supergrass, Sex Pistols and Foo Fighters.
