Campaign to protect Thebarton Theatre from risks of nearby North-South corridor upgrade
Though the plans to finish South Rd are not yet finalised, music supporters are standing up to make sure the Thebarton Theatre, the “mecca of our local scene”, is protected.
Thousands of music lovers have rallied behind the Thebarton Theatre after it was revealed the cultural icon could be at risk under a major upgrade of South Rd.
Concern is also growing among South Rd school communities, after the Sunday Mail revealed a list of heritage gems facing an uncertain future under the multibillion-dollar project.
A change.org petition to “Save Thebarton Theatre from the bulldozers”, started by Steve King on Sunday night, reached its target of 500 signatures on Monday morning, and had attracted more than 11,000 supporters as of Monday night.
Thebarton Theatre spokeswoman, Martha Lott, thanked people for sharing their memories of the theatre, and said an official decision to demolish it had not been confirmed.
“We trust that the government will recognise the importance of Thebarton Theatre’s place in the state’s cultural identity,” Ms Lott said.
She also encouraged people to continue supporting live performance across the state.
Music fans, proud South Australians and prominent Adelaide musicians have signed the petition, including local band, West Thebarton.
A spokesman for the band said he has heard stories about almost “every iconic Aussie and international band” playing there, and witnessed some.
“We want our fans to put up their hands and show this bloody government how strong they feel about the Thebby, about live music in SA and preserve this mecca of our local scene,” he said.
Music SA chief executive Lisa Bishop said she had also signed the petition because it was a “rite of passage” for every South Australian to go to a rock concert there.
“We’re a UNESCO city of music, and I think it would be a real shame if something happened to that building,” Ms Bishop said.
The State Government yesterday failed to confirm protection for the iconic theatre, saying the business case was due in coming months.
However, it reaffirmed that tunnels would require less land acquisition than the grade separation option.
Acting Infrastructure Minister, David Speirs, said it was too early to speculate about which properties may be impacted by the project.
“There is considerable planning and design works to be undertaken, once a preferred option is selected,” Mr Speirs said.
“The Thebarton Theatre is a cultural icon and the design for this project will consider many factors, including local and state heritage-listed properties.”
The Advertiser has also spoken to parents of two schools that border the final stage of the South Rd upgrade works.
Richmond Primary School parent, Helena Woodford, said the school had a rich history in the community.
“I would be very disappointed if a building that was build in 1898 was torn down for any reason at all,” Ms Woodford said.
“It really is a piece of our local heritage and would be a devastating result for the community. The whole point of a building being heritage-listed is that it is protected.”
A Black Forest Primary School representative also raised concerns about what it meant for the school’s future.
State Labor MP Jayne Stinson has called on the government to announce the road alignment as soon as possible so that schools can make investment decisions and parents can enrol their children with confidence the school will still be there in a few years.