The Esplanade Alliance

Promise 1: Re-invigorate the Palais Theatre

With its fantasy style architecture, a mixture of Moorish and Hollywood, the Palais is an instantly recognisable icon of St.Kilda's built environment.

The St.Kilda's Edge UDF recognises the central role this building plays on the site, listing the opportunities.

• Improve the attractiveness of places that embody the cultural heritage of St.Kilda and ensure the continued viability of existing landmarks and attractions including Palais Theatre.
• Encourage new uses that will support existing attractions and assets including Palais Theatre.
• Ensure that iconic buildings, items and places such as Palais Theatre, are maintained and that any development around them is coordinated with them.
  (UDF p40)

The UDF not only recognises the need to maintain the building, it also recognises the need to support the functioning of the Palais Theatre.

There is a need for backstage space for the Palais Theatre, which can only be achieved by a new building at its rear.
(UDF p 40)

Conservation Management Plan (prepared for the City of Port Phillip by Lovell Chen Architects and Heritage Consultants, June 2006) supports the ongoing function of the Palais Theatre.

The Palais Theatre has been in continuous use as an entertainment venue since opening in 1927, and it would be highly desirable that this use continue to be the main function of the place.
(Section 5.5.7)

The Esplanade Alliance calls on Council and the Victorian Government to be inspired and resolute in fashioning an outcome that residents, Palais patrons and Melbourne's public will welcome and not succumb to the theatre being used as a bargaining chip for overdevelopment on the site. A modest refurbishment may suffice to keep this icon functioning as a medium-sized live venue/theatre space, thus alleviating pressure for major commercial activity to recoup developer costs.

The Lovell Chen Conservation Management Plan can be found on the City of Port Phillip's About the Triangle Site page.

Promise 2: Create public space

Guarding the Heart and Soul of St.Kilda

This webpage is maintained by Cyndy Vogelsang on behalf of the Esplanade Alliance