Festival Hall owners hope to retain memories of venue redevelopment

PLANS to redevelop the Festival Hall site could incorporate the history of the famous concert venue as the owners unveiled plans for the $65 million development today.

THE owners of Festival Hall will seek to retain some of the memories of the much-loved Melbourne music and boxing venue in the redevelopment plans.

Chris Wren, director of Stadiums Pty Ltd, said some old posters or the names of past performers could be incorporated into the final design of the two-storey apartment development.

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Other memorabilia would be offered to State Library Victoria.

Festival Hall proposal.

The 5000-seat hall, which was built in 1956 and became famous for hosting star acts such as The Beatles, faces demolition despite some outcry from performers and past patrons at the loss of another live music venue.

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But Mr Wren said redeveloping the site was a commercial decision because other venues, such as Margaret Court Arena, were now more cost-effective.

“It’s a bit like an old boxer having to hang up his gloves,’’ Mr Wren said.

The public plaza part of the proposed redevelopment.

He also hinted at a major farewell concert which at most had been “discussed over a couple of coffees” but any gig could be years away because of an expected long planning application process with the council.

The site is subject to a heritage overlay but architect Chris Hayton of Rothelowman said it was more about the cultural and social aspects of patrons’ memories than the building, first constructed as a boxing and wrestling venue, itself.

“The building is not a glamorous piece of architecture but it carries many memories for a lot of people,’’ Mr Wren said.

The Dudley St facade will be incorporated into the design and the site of the main stage and boxing ring will be remembered with an “imprint”, likely a seat or timber decking in the same location.

The expected $65 million development is for two apartment towers, up to 16 storeys, containing 179 apartments and 243 basement carparks.

Office and shops are also part of the plans submitted to the council.

Events will continue at the venue, the next being the I Am Hardstyle electronic dance party on Friday.

Mr Wren said deciding to sell the unprofitable venue was a sad day.

“It’s a sad announcement that acknowledges the reality of commercial life,’’ he said.

@IanRoyall