A piece of Australian musical history is up for grabs

IT has been a creative haven for some of Australia’s favourite recording artists, but The Grove Studios is coming to the end of an era as the landmark property goes under the hammer.

recording studio

STARS the likes of Delta Goodrem, INXS and Silverchair have all laid tracks at The Grove Studios, but the end of recording could be nigh as the Central Coast studio goes to auction this weekend.

Fast-changing technology and a slow local internet signal may be among the reasons the recording Mecca is up for grabs.

recording studio

On 10ha 50 minutes north of Sydney, in Somersby, The Grove Studio has played host to Silverchair, was where Delta Goodrem recorded some of her hit album Innocent Eyes and Eskimo Joe, INXS, The Whitlams and within the month, Troy Cassar-Daly has also worked.

The studio’s website advertises a five-star service, studio hire for up to $675 a day complete with sound engineer, and also features gushing testimonials from artists such as Joel Quartermain of Eskimo Joe.

“Coming to The Grove felt like coming home,” he said.

The Grove Studios were where Delta Goodrem recorded Innocent Eyes.

As well as a professional studio, the property also houses four self-contained lodges and there is a total 10 bedrooms, six bathrooms, four kitchens, a pool, spa and two dams.

Part of the secluded studio’s success over the years has been its fairly private location, away from the prying eyes of the public. However that remote location now means technology has become a challenge in an ever-evolving music industry.

Iconic recording studio to sell

Recorded in Hansard at the NSW Parliament on August 22, 2012, Member for The Entrance,

Chris Spence went as far as Macquarie St to help The Grove.

“The Grove Studios has been expanded and refined to reach world-class standards. The music industry has been forced to evolve at a rapid pace in the face of modern technological advances such as Napster and other online file sharing, the invention of the iPod and, in turn, iTunes,” Mr Spence said.

“With the advent and explosion of computer technology, music can now be created and recorded at home on digital equipment and computers, eliminating the need for studio hire,” he said.

Mr Spence added that although The Grove had “adapted, grown and invested” to remain sustainable, it faces “one technological difficulty that threatens its ability to expand and creates a virtual glass ceiling”.

“Where The Grove could truly thrive in its market, the absence of adequate internet connectivity is crippling its potential,” he said.

The local member then described the future of The Grove as “bleak”.

On October 12, The Grove Studio will go under the hammer through Ray White Coast Edge.

The Grove Studios is for sale through Ray White and it will go to auction on October 12.