Celebrities are jumping on board the social media campaign to save St Kilda’s Palais Theatre

THE campaign to save St Kilda’s Palais Theatre is gaining momentum, with residents and entertainers backing calls to fix the crumbling, heritage-listed venue.

The social media campaign to save the crumbling Palais theatre with celebraties support, which needs $40 million capital works funding, is going gangbusters. l to r: Kaarin Fairfax, Peter Bain-Hogg, Tottie Goldsmith and Jacinta Stapleton Picture: Susan Windmiller

THE campaign to save St Kilda’s Palais Theatre is gaining momentum, with residents and entertainers backing calls to fix the crumbling, heritage-listed venue.

Hundreds of supporters, including soccer superstar Harry Kewell, have joined the #ilovemypalais social media campaign kicked off last month by Tina Arena and Molly Meldrum.

The campaign, running with the State Election looming, is calling for an immediate $40 million State Government cash injection to restore the majestic art deco theatre, now clad in scaffolding.

More than 1500 people have “liked” the campaign’s Facebook page, with a flurry of selfies posted by top entertainers backing the cause.

The line-up includes local comedian Dave Hughes, musician Ross Wilson, Neighbours star Olympia Valance and actors Kaarin Fairfax, Tottie Goldsmith and Jac­inta Stapleton.

RocKwiz producer Peter Bain-Hogg said the Palais was “a glorious national treasure” of global significance that must be preserved, while Kaarin Fairfax said the 84-year-old theatre was “a sacred site” for performers nurtured within its walls.

Port Phillip Council manages the Crown lease of the site to operator Neil Croker, who said he would share the cost of a long-term restoration plan in exchange for a longer lease.

The council is presently assessing the Palais for extensive repairs, including urgent electrical work.

Mayor Amanda Stevens said the council would have spent close to $2 million on the theatre — which desperately needed government cash for extensive works — by the end of this year.

Environment Minister Ryan Smith said his department had appointed a consultant “best qualified” to provide the State Government with a report outlining what the Palais needed.