South Rd: Thebarton Theatre ‘must never be bulldozed’, Premier Steven Marshall said in video last year
Video has surfaced of Premier Steven Marshall declaring the Thebarton Theatre “must be protected, must never be bulldozed” — even as the State Government refuses to rule out its demolition for the South Rd upgrade.
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Thebarton Theatre “must be protected, it must never be bulldozed”, according to Premier Steven Marshall.
Mr Marshall made the comments in an online video celebrating Thebarton Theatre’s 90th birthday last year.
Mr Marshall says he has had “so many happy memories” from his own time at the Thebby “as it is affectionately known by all South Australians”.
“Long may it continue,” Mr Marshall declares.
The video resurfaced on the South Australian Music Hall Of Fame Facebook page on Tuesday.
Musicians and music lovers, including English performer Billy Bragg, have rallied behind the Thebarton Theatre after the Sunday Mail revealed the cultural icon was on a list of several heritage gems that could be at risk under a multibillion-dollar upgrade of South Rd.
A State Government spokesperson did not rule out demolition, and said that in the video, the Premier was “emphasising how important the Thebby is to SA’s live media scene — and will continue to be”.
“Which is why only last month the State Government invested $500,000 to upgrade it,” they said.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Marshall said the Thebarton was a “cultural icon” — but stopped short of ruling out its demolition.
“The design for this project will consider many factors, including local and state heritage-listed properties,” he said.
“That’s why two of the three options the Marshall Government has put on the table involve tunnelling.”
On Facebook on Wednesday, Mr Marshall said the State Government was passionate about the Thebby — but again failed to discount demolition.
“Significant consideration is being given to all local and state heritage-listed properties along South Rd in developing the business case and through the planning phase,” he wrote.
“We understand the passion the community has for the Thebarton Theatre and they can rest assured that we will extensively consult with key stakeholders and the broader community regarding these upgrade plans.”
Acting Infrastructure Minister David Speirs on Monday said it was far too early to speculate about which properties may be impacted by the North-South Corridor project.
“There is considerable planning and design works to be undertaken, once a preferred option is selected,” Mr Speirs said.
A change.org petition to “Save Thebarton Theatre from the bulldozers” started by Adelaide Hills music fan, Steve King, has attracted more than 44,000 signatures.
English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg is among the latest to sign and share the petition.
“I’ve had some great nights there and hope to play the iconic venue again some day,” Bragg wrote on Twitter.
State West Torrens MP Tom Koutsantonis questioned Premier Steven Marshall’s credibility.
“When we are celebrating the theatre’s birthday he says exactly what everybody wants to hear,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“If it was good enough at the time why can’t he say it now?
“Why can’t they rule it out now and say that it is not in the firing line?”
Mr Koutsantonis this week called for intervention, and additional funding from the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, to preserve buildings in the area.
