Labor Pledge $13.4M To Save Palais Theatre

The Victorian Labor party has thrown substantial support behind iconic Melbourne venue Palais Theatre, committing to invest up to 13.4 million to upgrade and repair the heritage listed building, if they win the upcoming State election.

The ALP will team up with the owners of the Palais as well as the City Of Port Phillip to restore the venue, which stands surrounded by scaffolding at present. The restoration process will take place over a five-year period, according to a statement released by Labor today.

The venue will continue to hold events during the re-development process, the ALP said.

Labor leader Daniel Andrews reflected on his own experiences at the venue.

“I saw Midnight Oil at the Palais in ’92. The place went off. I’ll never forget it," Andrews stated. “The Palais is the heart and soul of live music in this city. It’s stood for 87 years and we refuse to sit back, like the Liberals, and watch it fall apart”.

Andrews also reiterated how seriously Labor are taking the situation.

“This won’t be a patch-up job. It’s a once-in-a-generation restoration to give the building a new life. We’ll save the Palais.”

News of the St Kilda venue's potential closure emerged in August when it was alleged that $15 million was required to keep it open in the short-term, with an estimated $25 million for its long-term future.

In recent weeks, a number of high profile musicians, including local veteran Tex Perkins and legends The Rolling Stones have thrown their support behind saving the Palais. Perkins will run as an independent in the upcoming election in his own bid to save the venue.