Campaign to save popular gay bar GH Hotel from demolition gains momentum

A CAMPAIGN to save Melbourne’s biggest gay nightclub is gathering force, with more than 1800 people signing a petition against the St Kilda icon’s possible demolition.

An artist's impression of a proposed eight-storey apartment complex on the site of St Kilda's Greyhound Hotel.

A CAMPAIGN to save the Greyhound Hotel is gathering force, with more than 1800 signatures on a petition calling for the venue to be saved from demolition.

It comes after the Leader reported owners of the popular gay nightclub had applied to Port Phillip Council to build an eight-storey apartment block on the site.

Melbourne’s biggest gay bar GH Hotel could be bulldozed for apartments

The Change.org petition, started by St Kilda business owner Caroline Thurling, said tearing down the building would “mean losing an icon”.

“People love St Kilda for its history, character, community and culture,” it states.

“In recent years, St Kilda has been losing its character to demolition and the development of low-quality, high mass apartment dwellings.”

The petition states the hotel is “an iconic gateway” to St Kilda.

“When you see the Greyhound you know you’ve reached St Kilda,” it says.

“Losing her will mean losing an icon and much loved character in our community.”

The eight-storey proposal submitted to the council includes plans for five shops, 43 dwellings and 61 basement carparks.

A building permit was been issued by a private building surveyor in June to allow demolition of the 163-year-old building, which is not protected by heritage controls.

Port Phillip mayor Bernadene Voss said the planning permit was expected to go before the council in February.

“The application must be considered against the relevant planning controls including council and State Government policy,” she said.

“We understand there is affection within our community for the Greyhound and that not everyone is happy about its owners proposing a new development on their St Kilda site, which they are legally entitled to pursue.”

So far five objections have been received.

The petition will be presented to the council at its ordinary meeting on December 6.