Fears for It’s Still A Secret closure as revamp plan lodged for Coronation Hotel

An inner-city live music venue could shut down less than a year after seeking public help to stay afloat as new plans to redevelop the site are revealed.

Live venue It's Still A Secret in South Brisbane. Picture: supplied

An inner-city live music venue is facing possible closure less than a year after a plea for public funding to help it keep operating, amid plans to turn it into an office.

Land owner MFIC Property lodged a material change of use and carrying out building work application to Brisbane City Council to turn the heritage-listed Coronation Hotel at 48 Montague Rd, South Brisbane, into office space.

The 1891-built dwelling houses live music bar and function venue It’s Still A Secret where overseas stars such as Dutch singer-songwriter Marike Jager and Canadian Rapper Mickey O’Brien are scheduled to perform.

Interior of It's Still A Secret in South Brisbane. Picture: supplied

Town planner Reel Planning said in an application document that full-time hotel activities were ceased in 1987 and the site has been used for various activities since.

“The proposed development is for the refurbishment of the former Coronation Hotel into an office building,” the planner said.

“There will be a general intention to make good works and make general repairs to damaged and dilapidated features of the hotel generally, which requires extensive restoration and upgrade generally.”

The submitted site plan showed a change in layout, demolishing the terrace, veranda, parts of the walls and multiple toilets.

It also proposed an extension to the building and interior construction such as adding a lift, kitchen, dining area and amenities.

The refurbished building will carry six offices, three meeting rooms, a board room, kitchen, outdoor terrace, courtyard, garden and external pavilion.

Consultant Australian Heritage Specialists said in the heritage impact statement included in the application documents that the proposed work would not affect the overall significance of the building.

“The hotel will receive a substantial restoration, including conservation of early elements of the place,” the company said.

“The works will facilitate the continued use of the building and provide improved facilities for its users.”

It’s Still A Secret declined to comment.

Live music venue It's Still a Secret in South Brisbane. Picture: Supplied.

Owner and operator Emily Dennis, who also owns another live venue Can You Keep a Secret at Woolloongabba, pleaded for public and government funding last May as the business was hit by soaring operational expenses.

Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner John Collins said the state deserved a vibrant and safe night-life environment.

A proposed rear deck for the Coronation Hotel. Picture: Bureau Proberts

“I will be listening to the sector, advocating for night-life businesses, and providing a vital link between industry, community and government to promote the future growth and sustainability of Queensland’s night-life economy,” he said.

“I have experience in the sector as a former venue owner myself and since being appointed at the end of September 2024, I have been travelling across the state to meet with key stakeholders in all regions to listen and identify ways we can support them and help them grow.”