Few Melbourne venues are as iconic as St Kilda’s Palais Theatre, but this grand theatre’s future has been under a cloud with a significant restoration required to keep the Palais open for business. Thanks to leadership from Albert Park MP Martin Foley, who is Victorian Labor’s Shadow Minister for the Arts, Labor has committed to contributing the bulk of restoration funds ($13.4 million) of the Palais Theatre. At a press conference, Martin and Caulfield candidate Josh Burns joined Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews to make the great announcement that Labor will save the Palais. The Art Deco building, which retains many of its original features, is considered one of the finest examples of Art deco architecture in the country and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register. Labor’s announcement is significant enough that singer-songwriter Tex Perkins, running as an Independent in the seat of Albert Park specifically to lobby for the Palais to be saved, said “Im very happy with the outcome - you dont have to vote for me, and will direct his preferences to Labor and Martin Foley. Labor’s commitment is great news for St Kilda, the heart of my electorate and the state electorate of Albert Park, as well as music-lovers in neighbouring areas like Prahran and Caulfield and across Victoria. It’s another great reason to vote for Labor this Saturday. Announcing Labors commitment, Labor Leader Daniel Andrews said that “This is a magic space and one I think is worth fighting for… We can restore this magnificent space to its former glory and bring it into the 21st century. Great work Martin Foley MP, Daniel Andrews and Josh Burns.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:43:35 +0000