Lion and West Torrens Council in talks to retain Christmas lights
The iconic Christmas lights at West End Brewery would be saved under a new proposal – while the SANFL chimney display could be moved to a different historic site.
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The iconic Christmas lights display at the West End Brewery could live on under plans put forward by the site’s owner, while a potential shift of the SANFL’s annual chimney unveiling is also being considered by the local council.
Under a proposal put forward by brewery owner Lion, the West Torrens council would take over the running of the Christmas event, while West End would retain naming rights and commit to an ongoing financial contribution to the lights display.
Meanwhile, the colours of the victorious SANFL club could be unveiled at the historic Brickworks kiln in Torrensville as early as this year, under plans to relocate the annual tradition to make way for a redevelopment of the West End site.
West Torrens Mayor Michael Coxon said the council had endorsed a move to commence formal negotiations with Lion at a meeting on Tuesday night.
“We’ve been having discussions with Lion about the potential to proceed with this,” he said.
“We’re keen to explore the opportunity given the level of community support over the years.”
The Christmas lights display has operated along the riverbank for more than 60 years, with an estimated 100,000 visitors annually. The event was cancelled last year due to COVID-19.
In a letter to Mr Coxon outlining Lion’s proposal to retain the event, Lion field sales director Jason Baily says it would involve council hosting the event each year, including storage of exhibits, with Lion contributing to their ongoing maintenance.
“Our initial advice was that the continuation of the display at the current site would be unlikely, given demolition works and subsequent redevelopment,” he said.
“However, given council’s interest in the event, we will progress consideration of this option internally with our master planners.
“We would, however, seek the assistance of the council in continuing the custom of hosting an event for West End customers (publicans) at the venue.”
Regarding a potential relocation of the SANFL’s annual chimney ceremony, Mr Baily said the Brickworks site’s proximity to the brewery made it a suitable alternative.
“We would like to progress this plan quickly, given the SANFL season is well underway,” he said.
“We suggest the painting of a fibreglass (or similar) ring in the SANFL premier’s colours to go around the top of the chimney. However, will work with council and heritage consultants as needed to determine the most appropriate option.”
SANFL chief executive Darren Chandler threw his support behind the proposed relocation.
“SANFL has been working with Lion to help find a suitable new landmark for the SANFL state league premiership colours and would be very supportive of this being the iconic Brickworks chimney,” he said.
“SANFL has had a proud and historic partnership with West End for more than 65 years and we are both committed to seeing the great tradition of the chimney unveiling ceremony continue at an appropriate location in the future.”
The Brickworks Hoffman kiln – built by former brickmakers J Hallett and Son Ltd – was heritage listed in 1983 as it represented a significant phase of the brickmaking industry in South Australia.
In 2016, the council spent $1.5m restoring the kiln and chimney.
The West End Brewery will close next month, with Lion planning a demolition, remediation and rezoning of the land ahead of a potential sale and redevelopment.
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