Could the public buy the Cranker? Greens’ bold new laws would allow it

An ambitious push to save Adelaide’s historic pubs and venues from extinction would put the purchasing power in South Aussies’ hands – but could it work?

A push for revolutionary new planning laws could save venues like the Crown & Anchor from being gutted, as it’s revealed the State Planning Assessment Commission received a “record” number of public submissions over development plans on the Grenfell St site.

The public consultation period for a controversial 19-storey student housing development, which would see the historic “Cranker” gutted and replaced by a cafe and yoga studio, closed last Friday.

The Save the Cranker supporter group, which has spearheaded the campaign to protect the live music venue, said it recorded 800 submissions from its members – a figure which would more than double SCAP’s record.

In a bold pitch to save SA’s iconic buildings from destruction, the Greens are set to draft a bill that would give the community the right to buy landmark pubs and venues.

Thousands took to the streets to protest a proposed development on the site of 171-year-old pub the Crown & Anchor. Picture: Jessica Renaglia/Wee Hur Holdings Pty Ltd

Under the plan, local Councils, community organisations and charities would be able to nominate land or buildings that are of community value for inclusion on a register to be managed by the planning minister.

The owner would not be able to change the use of the site or sell without approval of the minister.

In instances where the owner is seeking to sell, the community is given the first right to submit an expression of interest as a prospective buyer.

What would follow would be a 12 month moratorium, where the community is given the opportunity to raise any funds necessary to purchase the land or building.

The owner would be required to accept any community offer made at market value.

The rules would not apply in instance where the owner is simply selling a business as a ‘going concern’ — for instance, an owner selling a pub to a buyer who will continue to operate it as a pub.

Greens MLC Robert Simms said, while the scheme could not save the Cranker, it would protect Adelaide’s other iconic venues such as the Governor Hindmarsh, Grace Emily or Exeter Hotel from demolition.

Greens MLC Robert Simms wants the public to get first shot at buying historic pubs and venues. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

“A planning system that serves the interests of developers rather than the community has put our iconic pubs and live music venues at risk,” he said.

“In recent years, we have lost venues like the Producers and the Tivoli.

“Unfettered development is ripping the heart and soul out of our city. Sadly, I fear that what we are seeing with the Crown and Anchor is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Mr Simms said a bill would be drafted and presented to parliament for consideration.

However, Property Council executive director Bruce Djite levelled heavy criticism at the proposal, saying it had the potential to “completely undermine the fundamental rights of property owners in South Australia.”

“To suggest that a property owner should be locked out from selling their asset on the open market, precluding them from realising the best price, is preposterous,” he said.

“Entertaining such draconian policy concepts will catalyse capital flight from South Australia at a time when the opposite is needed.”

The fate of the Crown & Anchor is now in SCAP’s hands, with referrals to the Government Architect and Environment Protection Agency due to be returned by the end of May.

Following a parliamentary motion brought by the Greens earlier this month, the upper house voted to recognise the venue’s history and importance – but fell short of backing changes to the state’s planning laws to recognise “cultural heritage” when considering development.

Mr Simms said the motion was not the end of the campaign, but “just the beginning” of a groundswell of support to protect SA’s cultural vibrancy.