Shows Moved As The Annandale Hotel Closes For Renovations

Sydney's Annandale Hotel will close for renovations next week, with all forthcoming gigs required to find alternate venues.

The much loved live music institution was acquired by the Oscars Hotel Group earlier this year after a lengthy and much publicised period of liquidation.

The Group's General Manager Damien Cameron previously told theMusic.com.au that, after taking control of the hotel in September, they would continue to host live music until the end of the year, when its viability would be re-evaluated.

“We'll be continuing live music until the end of the year at least,” he said. “The venue's got a name for live music and we'll be giving it a red hot go.”

Cameron is currently on leave and was unable to comment.

There is no confirmation on the future of live music at the venue.

According to a planning application lodged with Leichhardt Council last week for 15 Parramatta Road, Parramatta Road Annandale Pty Ltd seeks the “demolition” of the existing building to make way for a new space. The new building would be used for retail and commercial space as well as 24-room boarding house.

The Annandale Hotel is located on the corner of Nelson Street and Parramatta Road, with the band room under the 17-19 street address. The 15 address includes the laneway smoking area and room opposite the front-room bar.

Artists and promoters are being encouraged to investigate moving their shows, those beyond this weekend, to venues like The Bald Faced Stag, the Oxford Art Factory, The Standard and The Factory Floor at the Factory Theatre.

Shows booked up to April include The Smith Street Band, The Locust, Deafheaven and Blessthefall.

SHOWS RELOCATED

The following shows announced for the Annandale Hotel have now been moved to these new location:

Future Of The Left – Friday 3 January, Factory Theatre
Hanni El Khatib, White Denim – Tuesday 7 January, Factory Floor
Deafheaven – Thursday 9 January, Oxford Art Factory
Blessthefall (Boys Of Summer Tour) – Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 (all ages) January, Bald Faced Stag
The Smith Street Band, The Menzingers – Saturday 19 March, The Metro Lair (all ages)
Sebadoh – Saturday 22 March, Factory Floor

A number of shows are currently finalising new venues, we'll post them here when everyone's signed off on them.

HOPE FOR SYDNEY YET

The Annandale's renovations arise amidst a period of hope for live venues in Sydney with the comprehensive live music taskforce, the first recommendations of which have passed Sydney City Council.

Leichhard Mayor Darcy Byrne, a vocal supporter of the Annandale Hotel, has repeatedly indicated that he hoped to encourage Oscar to retain live music, particularly through incentives that would be implements through his proposed live music precinct. Mayor Byrne had hoped to have the precinct rolled out by the end of 2013.

Nearby inner-west venue the Petersham Bowling Club recently posted its first profit after ditching pokies for craft beer and pokies, but it came after a lengthy six-year period that almost saw the room go under.

Marrickville City Council have also indicated that they will support the plight of live music in the region, by adopting policies from the City Of Sydney's taskforce and working with Leichhardt council to implement Byrne's entertainment precinct.

“There was a spate of closures of live music venues in 2012, and Council is determined to find out why and how the music industry can be helped to overcome any obstacles that are in place,” Marrickville Mayor Jo Haylen said recently.

“It was sobering to hear what [venues owners] had to say about what obstacles they face. There was strong support for Council to assist them in navigating the myriad of state and local government regulations. We also heard that complaints from inner city residents are a major challenge.”

Article updated 2.30pm with new show venues and renovation application details