Melbourne’s Palace Theatre the Next Ministry of Sound? (6/4/2014)

The world’s former number 1 club, Ministry of Sound, London is currently facing similar circumstances as the Palace Theatre with the imminence of a major residential development at a nearby site. Local communities have come out in support of the club and a campaign to save the venue has gained traction from over 44,000 supporters. “The Save the Palace campaign has the support of over 34,000 people which I think is pretty damn significant when you compare it to one of the top 10 clubs in the world!” says Save the Palace Chairman Michael Raymond.

In its 22 years of operation Ministry of Sound; an institution built on nurturing the careers of emerging talent, has grown into a global brand with an annual turnover of close to $AUD900 million. “Under the right guidance, I don’t see why the Palace Theatre couldn’t grow to become the Australian equivalent”

Mr Raymond’s views on the potential of the Palace Theatre falls in line with Music Victoria’s “Position and Priorities” paper which was tabled last week with the Victorian State Government. Of 19 documented proposals from the government representative, Music Victoria outlined the objective to “promote the Melbourne Music City brand to the world”.

“The Victorian music sector has come along in leaps and bounds over the last four years,” says Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan. “This paper [Position and Priorities] is about taking us forward and fulfilling the potential of the music industry.”

The Save the Palace group is currently campaigning to get the Government to purchase the Palace Theatre from current owners Jinshan Investments whom want to tear down the building in order to make way for a high rise luxury hotel development.

To get behind saving the Palace Theatre, visit http://savethepalace.com/?page_id=652

Sources:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-2279433/Ministry-Sound-revered-globe-does-fate-lie-hands-Boris-Johnson.html

http://www.musicvictoria.com.au/news/story/10304