Plans To Demolish Palace Theatre Rejected

Melbourne live music lovers and cultural history buffs have been given the news that the plans to demolish the iconic Palace Theatre in Melbourne have been rejected.

Mid last year it was revealed that the venue was on the chopping block with a company by the name of Jinshan Investment Group submitting plans for a $180 million dollar project, which would see the construction of an opulent hotel and apartment block called the W Hotel.

The plans were met with fierce opposition with an online petition in support of saving the venue attracting almost 26,000 signatures and a rally was organised in an attempt to raise more awareness to the situation last October.

There has been a submission made to Heritage Victoria to have the interior of the building heritage listed – presently only the exterior of the building is covered – which is yet to be approved, meaning the building remains under threat.

“Whilst this is a win and we'd love to dance around and celebrate, we also need to recognize that it isn't a victory,” a statement on the Save The Palace Theatre – Melbourne Facebook says.

“The Palace Theatre site still remains unprotected and vulnerable to redevelopment. The developer can submit subsequent proposals that may satisfy the planning requirements. It is for this reason that we are working to have the Palace Theatre formally protected.”

The Palace, which is located on Bourke St in the Melbourne CBD, has a capacity of 1,850 and will feature acts like Frightened Rabbit, Mastodon, Earl Sweatshirt and Alice In Chains in the coming weeks.