It’s been a very long wait for Melbourne and its beachside suburb of St Kilda, which has been hanging on the fate of its live music landmark The Espy since it was sold and shuttered almost two years ago.
The iconic venue, which boasts a number of different live music spaces and was a regular draw to the area, was purchased by the same group who own a variety of other prominent venues, but has been somewhat neglected since its acquisition. The venue has
Now, The Age reports that a deal has been finalised to inject life into the tragically disused venue once again, citing an unnamed source who claims that the venue will return to its role as a live music venue, which it has been for much of its almost 140-year history.
It seems that the long battle to add a rooftop terrace to the venue has fallen by the wayside after long battles with residents and council who expressed concerns about late-night noise considering the venue’s 3am liquor license. Instead, a large ground-level beer garden will be built to provide some form of outdoor area, along with other general renovations to bring it back up to scratch.
Esplanade residents were on the venue’s side years before, however, when its owners proposed a 35-storey development behind the venue, an idea that was fought against fiercely and promptly defeated – the locals are clearly very protective of their surroundings.
If and when The Espy finally reemerges as part of Melbourne’s live music scene, its presence will be hugely welcome, as St Kilda hasn’t quite been the same since the venue closed. Its smaller bandrooms have served as a vital launchpad for a range of emerging talent throughout the years, while its larger spaces have housed many a local legend.
We hope we’ll be welcoming it back with open arms very, very soon.
