In what’s quickly becoming a frightening pattern for the local live music scene, Sydney’s iconic Lansdowne Hotel will be shutting its doors soon. However, for once this is a ‘venue shutting down’ story with a silver lining.
The news was first announced via the Sydney DnB Facebook page, where the promoter of regular drum ‘n’ bass event Afterlife wrote, “Bad news today I’m afraid, another iconic Sydney venue bites the dust… Farewell to The Landsdowne Hotel 1926 – 2015, its final date will be 29/09/2015.”
The Lansdowne, which has been operating for nearly 90 years since opening in 1926, is owned by the Oscars Group, who also own The Annandale Hotel, formerly the jewel in the crown of Sydney’s underground music scene, though music has recently been largely phased out.
However, as sad as it is to see the Lansdowne go, it’s not just another case of a venue losing ground to greedy real estate developers. As Music Feeds reports, an application lodged to the City of Sydney indicates the Lansdowne will be used to open a school of music.
The application proposes a “change of use of the Landsdowne Hotel to an education use (200 students) and associated alterations for new main entry from Knox Street, new signage, accessible ramp, internal lift, fire stair, multi-purpose hall, staff toilets, practice studios, ensemble rooms and administration office”.
The application was lodged by the Arc Education Group, who operate the Academy of Music and Performing Arts, which currently has a campus in Rozelle. A spokesperson told Music Feeds the school will likely offer Bachelor of Music and other tertiary music degrees, and may include a recording studio and performance hall.
While it’s always sad to see an Aussie live music venue go, we can all take solace in the fact that in its wake will stand an institution that will create the musicians of tomorrow. We just hope they, y’know, have enough venues left to play in.
Images via City of Sydney / Music Feeds
