Iconic Fremantle Venue Under Threat

Fremantle live music destination Fly By Night is facing an uncertain future as negotiations with the National Trust have stalled.

Currently residing in heritage listed Military Drill Hall, Fly By Night has been operating since 1986 but Executive Director Jon Reid has claimed through social media that he feels they could be left behind if the National Trust gives precedence to the commercial interests of the City Of Fremantle.

This follows the closer of Fremantle world music institution Kulcha in February due to a lack of funding from the State Government.

In a statement the venue said that they have been renegotiating their lease at the venue – which expires September this year – since June 2012.

“On the 15th April 2014 the Club received notification from the National Trust WA (with recommendation from their Finance and Audit Committee) that they would be advertising for Expressions of Interest regarding the new lease for the Military Drill Hall, and that the Fly by Night Musicians Club is encouraged to submit an application,” the statement read.

“In previous years the lease has been renegotiated without the threat of competing expressions of interest.”

They added that there was also confusion over the length of the current lease, with Fly By Night claiming the lease shouldn't expire until February 2015.

“The Club's Board of Directors have written to the National Trust to organise an urgent meeting to discuss these matters,” they said, “and to reiterate that the Club has expressed its interest and desire to continue use of the Military Drill Hall as the Fly by Night Musicians Club… It is now June 2014 and no meeting has taken place. The Club has had no discussion or explanation of future plans for the military drill hall, or any direction in reference to the EOI process.”

The Club said they will keep members and stakeholder updated on developments, “and will be informing the local and state government and opposition, of the National Trust's current lack of transparency in regard to the management of the Military Drill Hall.”

Fly By Night has upcoming gigs booked by The Audreys, Lloyd Cole and others.

In February Fremantle world music institution Kulcha was forced to suspend activities due to a perceived lack of funding from the State Government.

Fly By Night in the Military Drill Hall