New Bid To Save Legacy Aus Live Music Venue From Being Demolished

Music Victoria has issued a plea to prospective purchasers of The John Curtin Hotel to work with them to ensure the iconic venue continues to operate as a live music space and isn’t levelled for apartments.

Earlier this year, the team behind the Melbourne/Naarm venue revealed that the beloved space would be shutting its doors following the expiry of its lease in November.

Alongside current applications to protect the venue via heritage laws, the state music body has now invited any prospective developer to reach out ahead of making an offer “to talk through their interests and ideas and explore options that will secure the long-term future of the Curtin”, given its “cultural and social value”.

“We’re not anti-development, but we are determined to protect what’s special about the Curtin,” Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel said.

“We want to work with the future owner, whoever it is, to develop an agreed plan that secures the Curtin’s long-term future as a live music venue. 

“We would welcome an approach from any prospective purchaser to sit down with us, to work it out, and get the best outcome for all.”

On the venue’s significance, Music Victoria noted: “Along with its well-known history as a union haunt, for more than 50 years, ‘The Curtin’ has been home to waves of contemporary live music, ranging from experimental to punk, and was one of the first places where emerging Aboriginal artists could play in the ‘80s.

“It’s much-loved as a subversive venue where punters, students and unionists have rubbed shoulders – a place of diversity, inclusion, aspiration and expression."

Venue operators have previously stated that “whatever happens we intend to go out with a BANG!”

For all upcoming events at The John Curtin Hotel, click here.