Venues: Plans For More Live Music, Collapses, Openings & More

TASMANIAN LABOR’S PLAN TO PROTECT MUSIC VENUES

Moves are set to reignite Tasmania’s live music venues and the nighttime economy.

It comes from the Labor Party if it wins the next state election. “A thriving, modern economy can’t afford to shut down at 5 p.m.,” it says. 

“Some of our most creative entrepreneurs, most passionate workers and most exciting businesses operate around the clock.”

Proposals include entertainment precincts to protect live music venues from noise complaints, promoting the music sector with a new low-cost licence for smaller events and a ‘one-stop shop’ for permits with fixed approval timelines.

Red Tape

The island’s nighttime economy will also get a boost up the caboose with reduced red tape and regulation for late-night venues, outdoor dining and events, greater encouragement to invest in the businesses there, more family-friendly events as twilight markets and outdoor cinemas, and partnerships between arts organisations and licensed venues.

Patrons and workers get better public transport, childcare and safety measures.

Labor leader Dean Winter said the Liquor Licensing Act governing late-night rules was 35 years old and needed modernisation.

What the nighttime offered was OK, “but we need to take the handbrake off.”

WILL JUSTIN HEMMES’ PRECINCT FOR MELBOURNE INCLUDE THE IVY?

Will Melbourne get a version of Justin Hemmes’ Sydney nightclub Ivy? That was the buzz when news spread that the Victorian Government sold its eight-storey CBD car park Parkade to Hemmes’ company Merivale for a reported $55 million on Tuesday night (February 25).

The building, on 34-60 Little Collins St, is a doorway to the city’s theatre district.

Hemmes S.L.A.P (Sounds Like A Plan) includes live music spaces, a jazz bar, a record bar, creative offices and studios to serve as a hub for emerging creatives, as well as restaurants (including his Mimi’s and Totti’s) boutique hotel, sky garden, shops, more bars and exhibition and gallery spaces.  The settlement date is June 2025.

NEW KIDS IN TOWN: FIVE LATEST SPACES

East Perth Power Station

The decision by the February 7 to March 2 Perth Festival to use the East Perth Power Station as one of its venues this year – more than 40 years after it was deactivated – has been given the thumbs-up by the local music community.

It has also sparked calls for the South Fremantle Power Station to be put to similar use.

Electric Fields were the first act on the East Perth site’s Main Stage, turning it into an appropriate EDM space under the stars, with Swan River views and an old industrial ambience with audiences able to be scattered over the lawn and pop-up bars and food stalls, backdropped by colourful projections of artworks from First Nations artists, Boorloo Contemporary.

Following were sets by Boox Kid, Royksopp, Ibibio Sound Machine and C.FRIM.

One suggestion on social media was that the WA Government work on the site, with a 2,500 or 3,000-seat theatre and a small space to seat 800 to 1,200, with cafes, restaurants and bars. These could be used for rehearsal and skills development studios.

See an earlier report on the power station in TheMusic.

Barrier Reef Hotel, Cairns

Live music is back on the menu under the new owner of Cairns’ Barrier Reef Hotel, along with food trucks and the largest range of Coopers beer in Queensland. Venue manager Stephen Boyd wants to focus on local acts.

Payneham Tavern, Adelaide

Payneham Tavern in the Adelaide suburb of Payneham has introduced live music. The amps plug in from 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and pop up band events in the sports bar.

Dissent, Canberra

Dave Howe, long time booker at the 14-year old Live At The Polo in Turner, is behind Dissent at 181 City Walk, Civic.

Howe saw a gap following the closure of The Phoenix and, more recently this month, The Transit Bar in Civic, which went blank after 20 years after its operator went into liquidation.

Its stage holds eight, and Howe is looking at a more diverse range of acts than at Polo Live. He also wants artists to tart walls up with murals.

Ex-Bunnings Warehouse, Cairns

A former Bunnings warehouse in Cairns could prove to be an interesting new music space. Ministry of Sound is curating the welcome party for the ad, marketing & media meet-up Cairns Crocodiles over three days in May. 

Groove Terminator, John Course and Minx will test the atmosphere of “an industrial space transformed into a cutting-edge venue blending Screen Queensland Studios the raw energy of its past.”

MORE LIVE MUSIC FOR TOWNSVILLE

More live music in Townsville’s CBD is one strategy being mooted by UpTown Townsville to attract more locals and tourists into an area that civic and business leaders dismiss as “a war zone” and run-down and to revitalise the Flinders Street entertainment precinct.

The Townsville music industry could seize this opportunity by submitting proposals and ideas to https://form.jotform.com/250201268278858.

10,000 SEAT STADIUM FOR GEELONG?

People already make the 65km trek from Melbourne to Geelong for acts at venues such as Geelong Arts Centre and Mt Duneed Estate for A Day On The Green. 

Now, Geelong Football Club unveiled a list of proposals for its Kardinia Park grounds, which includes a 10,000-seat sport and entertainment stadium. 

Its Chief Strategy & Growth Officer Marcus King told the Geelong Advertiser, “We think it would provide an opportunity to better support existing events, attract new events, and in turn further unlock the (40,000-seat) GMHBA Stadium to host more major events.”

The stadium will be bolstered by the club’s other proposals, including a new hotel and an underground car park with up to 130 spaces.

NEW SIGNINGS

A Day On The Green Extends Ticketmaster Deal

Roundhouse Entertainment, which runs the A Day On The Green winery and Live At The Gardens shows, extended its deal with Ticketmaster once again.

Founder and Director Michael Newton said, “With a partnership that spans over 25 years, we know that together we will continue to deliver a reliable event experience to music fans, using innovative and fan-focused technology from Ticketmaster.”

Ashmore Tavern Changes Hands

The recently renovated Ashmore Tavern on the Gold Coast, with music on Fridays and Sunday afternoons, is now part of pub giant Fortitudo Group's portfolio. The change was part of a bulk $80 million of its parent company, Emundi Group.

Stadiums Tasmania Takes Over Silverdome

Ownership and management of the Silverdome in Launceston is being transferred to Stadiums Tasmania. The venue was built in 1984 as an indoor sporting and entertainment venue.

The Tasmanian Government is now increasing the money it is spending on an upgrade by an extra $4 million to a total of $12 million to attract more events and deliver greater fan experience. It will include more seats than the current 5,000.

North Queensland Stadium Retains Name

North Queensland Stadium in Townsville retains its name for another five years after Queensland Country Bank extended its naming rights sponsorship and secured a decade-long partnership with Stadiums Queensland.

Since it opened in 2020, the 25,455-seat stadium has hosted around 1.25 million patrons across 86 major events and more than 700 community events. Concerts have included sell-outs by P!NK and The Killers.

P!nk set a new attendance record last year, reaching 65,000 over two nights and injecting $50 million into the Townsville economy.

Archie Rose At Sydney Showground

Sydney Showground is amping its food and drink experience with a new exclusive deal with Sydney distillery Archie Rose to supply it with white spirits, including gin, vodka and white rum, for corporate functions and retail bars, including at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Ownership Change For Consort, Saltwater

Two Queensland pubs that host live music, The Prince Consort in Fortitude Valley and Saltwater Creek Hotel in Helensvale, changed hands for $66 million by Sydney-based Redcape Hotel Fund, which is widening its footprint in the state.

7,000-SEAT ARENA FOR SUNSHINE COAST?

A new 7,000-seat arena for the Sunshine Coast’s Maroochydore to draw major global music acts and events (as well as arts and exhibitions) with a five-star hotel on-site is a proposal put forward by Walker Corporation for initial use in the Olympics and Paralympics.

BOOST FOR NEWCASTLE VENUES

Newcastle venues, stadiums and promoters look like benefitting, with the City of Newcastle deciding to boost its annual major events budget from $450,000 to up to $2 million to attract more music, entertainment and sports mega-events.

A 2022 deal with stadium operator Venues NSW to provide mega-events (such as Paul McCartney and Elton John at McDonald Jones Stadium) has already brought in 500,000 patrons and an increase of $65 million into the local economy.

According to the City, 2025 has had a successful start with five events it delivered. It included the inaugural Howlin' Country festival, which drew 13,000 – 8,000 of them from outside Newcastle – to Foreshore Park, “delivering a $1.6 million economic boost to the city.”

In 2024, 26 City of Newcastle-supported events delivered an $18 million economic boost, attracting about 86,000 local attendees, 53,000-day visitors, and 73,000 accommodation (bed) nights. 

TWO GRANTS FROM SOUND NSW

NSW Government agency Sound NSW is offering two grant programs for the state’s venues and their operators.

Venue Upgrade Advice gives up to $20,000 (applicants must pay at least 30 per cent of costs) to get input from experts and consultants in reports, such as accessibility or soundproofing, assistance with applications and planning, legal advice and more. Projects must start by April 17; see https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/venue-upgrade-grants-program-1-24/25.

Venue Upgrade Facilities offers up to $250,000 for dedicated music rooms to support reducing noise impact, infrastructure development such as soundproofing, accessibility and ventilation, and purchase of equipment such as production gear and audio-visual technology. Projects must begin by March 14; go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/venue-upgrade-grants-program-2-24/25.

BLOW UPS (AKA BAD NEWS WEEK)

Roxy Plan Rejected

A plan to turn Sydney theatre-turned-nightclub Roxy into a restaurant was rejected by the local council after thousands of signatures opposed it. Active citizen groups are pushing for the  George Street building in Parramatta, empty since 2014, to return as a theatre.

Asylum, Lost Kingdom, Go Shadow-Up

Two of Surfers Paradise's most high-profile nightclubs, Asylum and Lost Kingdom on the Orchid Avenue strip, have gone shadow-up after an apparent leasing dispute with landlord Hachma International. Socials on the two, owned by Hallmark Hospitality, flagged an “exciting new venue” on its way.

Was Floating Nightclub Arson A Paid Hit?

Was the January 31, 2023, fire at Melbourne’s floating nightclub ATET a paid hit? The Herald Sun reported CCTV footage showed two men splashing petrol on the dancefloor and setting it alight with a cigarette lighter at about 4 am.

A 33-year-old man has now been committed to stand trial on a charge of arson, which caused $350,000 worth of damage to the venue located in Victoria Harbour at Docklands.

The newspaper also reported this month that the two-year lawsuit by ATET owner Jake Hughes against the City of Melbourne for terminating his licence after complaints from apartment owners across is still ongoing. In the latest ATET, it has written to the local government minister for a review of the legality of the council’s move.

Roxie’s Sets Closing Date

Roxie’s in Grenfell Street in the Adelaide CBD will close on May 25 after a 14-year run, owner Tom Skipper said. Reason: work will begin on a 29-storey student housing development.

It’s the same development that almost brought down another Skipper venue, Crown & Anchor. But after a people power campaign, the State Government stepped in with a deal, where “The Cranker’ will relocate during the two-year build.

Jump Inn Gets Restricted Music

The Northern Territory Liquor Commission jumped hard on Jump Inn in Alice Springs during findings on February 14 against owner 2SCCP Pty Ltd.

There were already noise complaints about the Traeger Avenue premise. But things got more serious after a senior compliance officer wandered in during a live gig last October to find 100 folks squeezed at the bar and others arguing, hitting, pushing and dancing on tables. 

The Commission noted CCTV footage which showed a woman striking a man “a least 50 times” on the head with her “opened-toed sandals, her open hand, and her fist.”

It declared, among other restrictions, live music be stopped until March 4, returning only after noise devices were installed, at least one licensed crowd controller was on duty, and staff was given appropriate training.

Mad Cow Sacks Staff Over Serious Video

Townsville nightclub Mad Cow sacked three staffers for their role in an independent video shot inside the club making idiotic comments about sexual assault and race. The footage went on social media, resulting in 670 comments, most calling for their heads.

Club management responded: “The viewpoints expressed by those employees do not represent the Mad Cow Tavern values at all, and we empathize with those hurt, upset and disturbed by the words and actions of some of our employees. We emphatically denounce what these employees have said and done.”

Blow For Gold Coast Arena?

A number of Gold Coast residents have actively protested the building of the planned 12,000-seat indoor arena (or 18,000 seats if GC Mayor Tom Tate had his way) at Carey Parker.

According to the Gold Coast Bulletin, the bulk of the estimated $300 million cost comes from the Queensland Government ($50 million), $10 million from the Council, and the rest from private investors. (On Wednesday, February 26, the paper revealed sources now put the cost at $480 million to host 80 events a year).

But the Bulletin has reported that at an anti-Carey Park meeting this week, Coast MP Rob Molhoek told the gathering that the State Government had no money for the arena as its spending was diverted to Olympics-linked projects.

Commercial Hotel Closed

The heritage-listed Commercial Hotel in Port Adelaide, which went into liquidation in May 2024, has continued to showcase music and continue to trade under an interim management team while SV Partners looked for a new owner.

Two near-sales fell through, the latest this month, so it’s been closed while they decide what to do next.

End Of Road For The West Thebarton

Long time western suburbs venue The West Thebarton Hotel has been told it has to close by July, as it’s in the path of the $15.4 billion River Torrens to Darlington Project (T2D) road project.

The Footscray Goes Crowd Funding

The Footscray Hotel in Melbourne, known for its support of grassroots music acts and comedians, is crowdfunding to raise $20,000 for renovations. One of its comedy promoters explained, “The ceiling and roof are deteriorating, and the plumbing and toilets urgently need fixing.”

The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Hotel in South Townsville which “temporarily” closed in January promising on a note on its front window to return with their “team refreshed” has now been put on sale.

VALE BRIAN STORY

Brian Story was an instrumental figure in Brisbane’s queer club scene from the 1990s, throwing dance parties as Queens Ball and Sleaze Ball and raves through his Skypak Lighting firm with Craig Fussell.

TRASH CULT SAVED

Live music returns in March to Trash Cult, a music venue, record store and bookshop in Bendigo, in regional Victoria. The music got switched off last July due to a licensing error, which got tangled up with restrictions being brought in by Bendigo City Council. 

But after a social media campaign, a new proper license is being issued, and the music goes on for husband-and-wife operators Mick Derrick and Lorelle Hickson who opened the business in January 2020.

SYDNEY NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY GROWS

Data from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner showed that in the latest quarter, “Saturday night leads weekly spending, driven by leisure and social activities, with notable quarterly growth from Thursday to Saturdays.”

Night-time, in-person spending rose 1.7 per cent from the last quarter to $3.64 billion dollars, there was a 2.6 per cent rise in night-time movement trips to 476 million, and suburban nightlight hubs continued to grow.

Over the past two years, regional centres like Kiama and Queanbeyan emerged as “significant contributors to the night-time economy, leveraging proximity to key hubs like Canberra, Port Kembla and the Wollongong CBD.”

GREEN MUSIC BOOSTING VENUE SUSTAINABILITY

Green Music Australia (GMA) has launched a program to boost the sustainability of live music venues. Overseas research shows these contribute 23 per cent to the overall impact.

The Green Venue Program is through Sound NSW. A Green Venue Certification pilot acknowledges those making a positive change, and six free workshops in Sydney, Northern Rivers, Newcastle and Wollongong are in March.

BARLOW PARK EYES MAJOR EVENTS AFTER UPGRADE

A $10.9 million lighting and audiovisual upgrade for Cairns’ Barlow Park will attract major sports, concerts and entertainment events, said Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander.

In a collaborative effort between Cairns Regional Council and the State Government, four new lighting poles weigh 20 tonnes each and 92 LED lights are fitted to each.  A new 13-metre x 7.4-metre video screen will enhance the fan experience.

MUSICAL CHAIRS

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre appointed Karyn Sutton as the new Communications and Marketing Manager, while Gail Sawyer, who held that position for 26 years, is going part-time.

Melbourne multi-arts precinct Abbotsford Convent brought in Jessica Bram as the new Strategic Partnerships and Development Manager and Dario Vacirca as the Creative Programming Project Manager.

Odd Culture (Old Fitz, Duke of Enmore, Pleasure Club) are joined by Rebecca Lines (ex-Redbird) as Chief Operating Officer and Michelin-awarded executive chef Alex Haupt.