The Palace Theatre has been saved – for now – following a high-profile campaign from live music fans to save the venue from a proposed five-star hotel redevelopment.
The Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure refused to grant a permit demolish the building and construct a new 72.25 metre-high tower with 200 hotel rooms and 91 apartments.
The site’s owner, Jinshan Investments, owned by businessman Xian Xu, wanted to create Australia’s first ‘W Hotel’. No part of the century-old theatre would have survived.
The Facebook page ‘Save the Palace Theatre’ announced on Wednesday evening that objectors had started to receive letters from the department confirming the application had been knocked back.
“This is terrific news! and we sincerely thank you all for submitting your objection letters. If it hadn’t have been for the overwhelming mass of objections that were sent in to the Planning Minister who knows what the outcome could have been”
Organisers stated that the fight was not over, as the building remains unprotected from heritage shields and is vulnerable to future development applications.
Facebook fans have started posting comments celebrating the victory. Rach Northover wrote: “ That’s what we like to hear!!! Good job everyone, very proud xx” and Harry Williams wrote: “That is sensational news…Well done one and all…”
The proposal appeared doomed from the start and failed to gain support from Melbourne Heritage Action group and Melbourne City Council. In November, planning officials argued strongly against the proposal, stating that its height and mass “do not respond positively to the context of the site”.
The Napthine Government also lodged an appeal against the application in a highly unusual move. In December, Planning Minister Matthew Guy signalled he would not approve the proposal as it flaunted height limits around Parliament House.
In July, applicant Sinclair Brook stated that the $180 million development would create hundreds of jobs.
