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LN Australia to run Melbourne’s Festival Hall

Live Nation Australia has secured a multi-year lease to operate Melbourne’s Festival Hall.

The company plans to invest in several upgrades to the 5,000-cap venue, which has hosted artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ed Sheeran and Foo Fighters.

Previously, LN has successfully revitalised heritage entertainment venues in Australia such as Palais Theatre in St Kilda and Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul (NSW) as well as investing in new live music venues in Hindley Street and the Fortitude Valley in Adelaide and Brisbane respectively.

“We are extremely excited to be delivering the next chapter of Festival Hall’s life, not only because it will help support the growing demand of shows that are coming down the pipeline across the industry, but also to put the iconic venue firmly back on the global live entertainment map,” says LN APAC president Roger Field.

“It’s a privilege to be part of an organisation that values the protection of existing heritage music assets and sees the importance that these venues play”

Festival Hall was purchased by Hillsong Church in October 2020, with the intention to create a community hub to support live music, entertainment, and other events. “It’s a way to give back to Melbourne and continue the venue’s legacy,” said Hillsong at the time.

The church will continue to use the venue for weekend services and other events

“It’s a privilege to be part of an organisation that values the protection of existing heritage music assets and sees the importance that these venues play in the ongoing growth of the live entertainment sector and the communities they’re a part of,” adds Field. “Our vision is to ensure that Festival Hall remains a cornerstone of the State’s live music scene for artists, industry, and fans alike.”

 


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“A sad day”: Melbourne Festival Hall faces demolition

Historic Melbourne venue Festival Hall is to be demolished to make way for a A$65m apartment complex, after being forced out by “younger, bigger, stronger” rivals, its owner has said.

The 5,400-capacity music and sporting venue, which dates from 1913, is an “old boxer” unable to compete with newer  venues such as the 7,500-seat Margaret Court Arena and the 10,500-cap. Hisense Arena, owner Chris Wren – a descendant of famed Australian businessman and underworld figure John Wren, who took over the venue in 1915 – tells the Sydney Morning Herald.

Acts who have played the Festival Hall include the Beatles, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Sex Pistols, Frank Sinatra, INXS and, more recently, Queens of the Stone Age, Liam Gallagher and Gang of Youths.

It was largely destroyed by fire in 1955 but was rebuilt in time for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

The proposed new development would comprise 179 flats across two towers, along with retail and commercial space.

“It is a sad day, but we’ve made the decision”

“It’s a sad occasion for us in many respects,” says Wren, “but it’s a decision we’ve had to contemplate now for some time. As responsible directors we’re going to have to close the shop. So a bit like an old boxer hanging up his gloves, we’re going to be doing that in the near future.

“It is a sad day, but we’ve made the decision.”

Patrick Donovan, CEO of industry association Music Victoria, urges developer Rothelowman, along with local authorities, to “retain and protect this iconic music venue.”

“Festival Hall is such an iconic and important venue to Melbourne and Victoria,” he says. “It is versatile, and provides a unique offering of world-class local and international live music and other entertainment. […]

“Music Victoria will continue to support live music venues, and work with local and state government and the music community to protect the health and longevity of Victoria’s live music scene.”

 


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