Metro Minerva Theatre Potts Point rally: Create NSW indicates their commitment

Theatres buffs lead by Marcia Hines are preparing to rally en masse in a bid to preserve a beloved Potts Point venue as the government gives its strongest indication yet it will intervene.

Marcia Hines was just 16 when she made her debut in the musical Hair at the Metro Minerva Theatre in Potts Point and now the superstar is rallying to save the stage that launched her career.

The art deco theatre is owned by Abacus Property Group and developers Central Element have a pending agreement to buy it tied to the success of a development application to convert it into a 63 room hotel with a nightclub and bar.

Marcia Hines HAIR

The beloved artist will lead the rally.

Industry greats including fellow original Hair cast member John Waters, acclaimed performer Catherine Alcorn and comedian Mark Trevorrow will lead business owners and locals in a rally this Sunday to demand the theatre is instead restored to its original use.

Meanwhile a spokeswoman from the state government’s arts policy and funding body Create NSW has given the strongest indication yet that they will buy the theatre.

“The NSW Government is committed to increasing the number of performance spaces in Sydney and has committed $5 million for a Theatre and Stage Strategy that is intended to dramatically enhance the cultural offering available in NSW to attract international productions and secure new cultural infrastructure for productions and performances,” the spokeswoman told the Wentworth Courier.

“Create NSW is considering whether the Minerva Theatre should be acquired by Government in response to multiple calls from industry and the community for Government to intervene and restore one of the few remaining heritage theatres to its original use.”

Brandon Martignago is owner of local cocktail bar Dulcie’s and President of the Metro Minerva Theatre Action Group. Picture: John Appleyard

Owner of Darlinghurst Road cocktail bar Dulcie’s, Brandon Martignago, is also chair of the Metro Minerva Theatre Action Group and the local business chamber, Potts Point Partnership.

Mr Martignago said the businesses of Potts Point and Kings Cross had done it exceptionally tough and restoring the theatre would breathe new life into the precinct.

“There isn’t currently a reason for people to come and visit this area other than dinner and drinks or maybe a show at the Hayes,” Mr Martignago said.

The Minerva Theatre in its heyday circa 1947. Photo courtesy of the State Library of NSW

“This would be a thousand seats that need a place to go before and after a show.

“We need something that gives businesses confidence to open and stay open after the lock outs and then the lockdowns.”

Central Element developers said the plans would lovingly restore the vacant building into a “multi-use venue, incorporating a boutique hotel delivered to international standards, and performance spaces, for which the building is renowned.”

The plans would see the art deco features retained, they said, and the restoration of the main auditorium would allow for a range of hospitality offerings, cultural experiences, live music and cabaret.

The rally will be held at Fitzroy Gardens, Sunday December 5, 12.30pm to 1.15pm.