Annandale Hotel Gutted As Sydney Music Scene Rebuilds

This is the current state of the Annandale Hotel's band room, with the stage of the iconic Sydney music venue demolished as part of renovations by new owners the Oscars Hotel Group.

The venue closed for renovations in December after dominating a lot of Sydney's live venue discussions last year. With all booked shows forced to be relocated, the future of live entertainment in the venue is under serious doubt.

Oscars have not responded to theMusic.com.au's repeated calls and emails for comment in regards to the nature of the renovations in recent weeks.

The group's General Manager Damien Cameron previously told theMusic that once they took control of the room in September they would give music a “red hot go” until the end of 2013, but have made no indications beyond that.

The Annandale Hotel is located at 17-19 Parramatta Road, while the adjoining laneway – which was used for a smoker's area – is located at 15 Parramatta Road. The venue had been leasing that 15 address until its owner made clear plans to develop the address.

In February 2012 a development application was lodged with Leichhardt Council to demolish the existing building to build a mixed-use structure for retail and commercial uses. A 24-room boarding house was also touted in that application, which estimated the costs at just under $2 million.

An application seeking the same mixed-use and boarding house works was lodged in December 2013.

The Annandale Hotel has accommodation on its top level, but it is unclear what the current redevelopments will mean for those rooms. A development application for 17-19 has not been lodged, and may not need to be if the floor-space ratio is not altered in the works. It is understood that Oscars' work is primarily internal changes.

Horrorshow at the Annandale Hotel. Pic by Clare Hawley

END OF AN ERA? NO, LIVE MUSIC IS HERE TO STAY

While the loss of the Annandale Hotel is viewed by many as a symbol of Sydney's live music scene, 2014 boasts many positive signs for the live industry. While the Annandale was indeed iconic, there is an industry sentiment that its reputation lied with the publicans – Matt and Dan Rule – rather than the bricks and mortar of the building.

With their new company Music, Booze & Things they've successfully introduced live music to the revitalised The Vic in Marrickville, the popularity of which was evident during You Am I's packed New Year's Day show earlier this year.

The carousel of venues is continuing, with Erskineville's Imperial Hotel announcing its intention to launch a new band room in March late last year. The Petersham Bowling Club is also enjoying its first purple patch after ditching pokies for craft beer and live music.

TheMusic.com.au can confirm that there are a handful of venues and hotel groups who are investigating having live music as part of their 2014 offering to Sydneysiders.

The interest perhaps arises from the groundbreaking Live Music Taskforce, of which the first reforms have already been passed by Sydney City Council. The meticulously researched and holistic review of live music and potential reforms has sparked discussions in every major city in Australia and is being used as a benchmark document by more than one.

As well as City Of Sydney, both Leichhardt and Marrickville councils have publicly expressed support for live music reforms.

Adalita at the Annandale Hotel. Pic by Jodie Mathews