Melbourne City Council denies demolition of Palace Theatre

A vote by City of Melbourne councillors last week has denied the demolition application of the city’s historic Palace Theatre.

Property developers Jinshan Investments have been planning to demolish the former live music venue in order to construct a $180 million five star hotel and apartment complex since July 2013.

Councillors voted to oppose the development inspite of apparent damage to the interior of the Bourke Street theatre – caused by construction workers beginning demolition work on the Theatre’s interior from mid November, allegedly without a permit.

Demolition to the historic fabric of the Theatre is so severe that the venue is no longer worth saving, according to an independent heritage consultant.

A recent inspection of the Theatre by independent heritage consultant Graeme Butler revealed that most of the venue's original plaster ornamentation, glazed stair tiling, and period joinery had been removed since an October inspection of the 100-year old entertainment site.

The decision has been welcomed by the campaign groups Melbourne Heritage Action and Save The Palace Theatre, with the later posting on their website “it’s been a long, arduous journey for us and to see our constant campaigning, lobbying, letter-writing and rallying finally pay off with some results was ridiculously satisfying.”

Jinshan Investments are reportedly taking the Council to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for failing to decide on their application within the required time period.

Jinshan Investments also defended their demolition of the building’s interior.

1st December 2014 - INVESTOR BACKS NEW 1,130 SEAT THEATRE SPACE IN MELBOURNE

22nd November 2014 - DEMOLITION OF MELBOURNE’S PALACE THEATRE BEGINS WITHOUT PERMIT

9th November 2014 - TEX PERKINS TO SEEK ELECTION IN BID TO PROTECT MELBOURNE’S PALAIS THEATRE 

19th August 2013 - AUSTRALIA COUNCIL REVEALS KEY TRENDS FOR PERFORMING ARTS 

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