This follows a decision at a Port Phillip Council meeting to hold a six-week community consultation on the concept.
Closing at midnight on 19 October, the extensive consultation now underway includes a Have Your say survey and five pop-up events. Two drop-in sessions offer opportunities to speak in person to Council Officers about the design feasibility or the project generally and to provide feedback directly.
A report on potential next steps will be considered by Council towards the end of 2023 after the feedback has been considered.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo encouraged residents and music lovers to provide their views and insights about the proposal to activate this premium site.
“The existing carpark provides a ‘blank canvas’ for this concept, which reflects the site’s history as the former home of entertainment venues including the Palais de Danse dance hall and Palace Nightclub,” she said.
A range of music industry experts interviewed for the feasibility study said there is a gap in the market for an indoor venue of this size. The flexible design also allows functions of varying sizes to be held during the day when performances are not booked.
“Our detailed feasibility study included work on preliminary costings to ensure the concept is achievable. We believe it also reflects the spirit of the 2016 site Masterplan developed in consultation with our community.
“Now we need to hear what our community, traders and the live music industry think. We know there will be passionate views, from design to parking, and will carefully consider every comment.”
The Council is taking every opportunity to hold discussions with potential partners, including the Victorian Government, as a venue of this size would require funding support.
“The main focus at the moment, however, is testing the idea with our community and key stakeholders,” Cr Cunsolo said.
