The future of iconic Melbourne haunt The Espy and the role live music will be playing in that future has finally been revealed. As The Age reports, The Espy is set to reopen after changes to its construction were finally given the green light.
As we previously reported, the Espy’s re-opening was delayed over objections to proposed external works, in particular its rooftop terrace planning permit, with local residents fearful an open rooftop blaring music without controls could lead to disturbance.
The venue has been closed since May, with owners explaining the venue would remain shut until the summer as extensive renovations are completed. However, numerous objections delayed the summer reopening, including 26 from neighbours concerned about the new terrace.
“At the moment we don’t hear anything because it is very well insulated,” Pollington St resident Viviane Burnett told the Herald Sun last month. “But sound reverberates from higher storeys. They want a 145 sq m terrace for 200 patrons; I think it needs some controls.”
As Fairfax reports, Port Phillip Council has now approved the plans for the heritage-listed hotel, which has long been one of Melbourne’s favourite live music spots, following the conclusion of a council meeting on Wednesday night.
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Deputy Mayor Serge Thomann wrote on Facebook that it was a “great outcome” for live music in the area, which comes as a great relief for fans of the beloved venue who were concerned changes to the Espy might signal the end of live music there.
“Live music will continue but the food offering will be much better including a rooftop terrace above the entry on the first floor with strict conditions regarding noise and people management for the terrace,” Mr Thomann wrote.
“A great outcome for live music, St Kilda residents and its visitors and a sustainable Espy of the future. I hope it reopens soon as we all miss the Espy and we can’t wait!”
