Well, the planning application notices are now in for the Greyhound- they are going to mess around with the downstairs bar & bandroom, and install a sauna on the first floor. That will be a neat trick if they can manage it, the building is about a hundred years old- even a large bathtub would fall through the floor once it was full of water, let alone when a few blokes pile in too. Another sex-on-site place, just what the neighbourhood needs. You can object online via that link if you feel moved to do so.
I'll post the full line up for the final Hound shows soon. Interesting to see that the Pint On Punt is already putting it's best foot forward to fill the void. You can drop in and see Fred Negro in his native habitat:
The garage/kebab joint across the street from the Hound is being demolished already, and I forgot to buy a last dim sim for old times sake. Damn.
Just to be perfectly clear- I have seen the recent anonymous "warning" leaflet that is going around St. Kilda, but I have nothing to do with it, and I do not agree with what it says.
ReplyDeleteMy grounds for objecting are:
-The Greyhound currently serves a wide and diverse local community, many of whom will be excluded if these changes go ahead. This directly contradicts the City of Port Phillip's stated aim of supporting tolerance and diversity.
- It is famous for it's support of local artist and musicians, from the young bands playing the Indie Initiative nights to the headline acts in the main room. This support will be lost.
- It is one of the last live venues in the St Kilda, which has lost many to redevelopment over the years. It is also one of the few music venues of it's size in the area.
- Gambling is already a problem for many in the area- if patrons are forced to leave the Greyhound this may become worse, as the four other hotels closest to it (Grosvenor, Village Belle, Balaclava Hotel & Dick Whittington) all feature gaming lounges.
- St Kilda is no longer the centre of the gay community, which is now centred in Prahran and Collingwood. If this business venture fails, the venue will die, and no doubt will be lost to property developers who will convert it into apartments.
-The new owners are seeking permanent extended trading hours in a residential area.
-The new owners are seeking an exemption from their obligation to provide car parking for patrons, in a residential area.