Cranker ‘Saved’ But Development Still Going Ahead
The Crown & Anchor will continue to operate as a live music venue for years to come, but at what cost?
The future of Adelaide’s beloved live music venue the Crown & Anchor has been secured after the government stepped in and announced new laws to protect the state’s live music scene.
After rumours swirled last week that “a deal was imminent” between Premier Peter Malinauskas’ Labour government and Singaporean developer Wee Hur Holdings Ltd – the company wanting to build student accommodation on the site of the Cranker – Malinauskas confirmed he had brokered a deal that would be beneficial to all parties.
Appearing at yesterday’s (August 19) Rally to Save the Cranker on the steps of Parliament House, Malinauskas jumped onto the Cranker truck in front of a 2,000-strong crowd and said that he would personally introduce new legislation in parliament today (August 19) that would save not only the Cranker but other live music venues.
“Together, we’ve saved the Cranker,” Mr Malinauskas told the rally.
“The legislation that we are crafting isn't going to just save the building, it isn't just going to save the pub, it's also going to bestow upon the Crown and Anchor hotel, in that location, an unfettered right to play live music forever more.
"If you buy a building or if you buy a parcel of land and you want to develop it next to a pub that plays live music, well guess what? That pub will be able to continue to operate and play live music."
While it sounds like a win for Adelaide’s music-loving community, it’s not that simple. The Cranker may have been ‘saved’ but Wee Hur Holdings has been granted the “right for an accelerated development approval process” that now allows them to build a 29-storey high student accommodation tower instead of the originally planned 19-storey building.
Not only will the student accommodation now big taller than first announced, but the venues adjacent to the Cranker, Roxie’s and Chateau Apollo, will sadly be demolished to make way for the development.
The Cranker will also be forced to shut for a maximum of two years when the construction of the building commences, with Wee Hur Holdings Ltd committed to restoring and soundproofing the bandroom as part of the deal struck with the government. The current proprietors of the Cranker will be given the first right of return when the pub reopens, although there has been no discussion of what happens to their jobs while the Cranker is closed.
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“The State Government will introduce special purpose legislation to permit the developer to build up to 29-storeys on the site adjoining the hotel, with the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) to assess the application within 10 business days of the development application being lodged,” the government said in a statement, as first reported by In Daily.
“Subject to approval, Wee Hur will invest a further $150 million in the development to provide safe and secure accommodation to students in higher education, while preserving the Crown and Anchor operation as a hotel.
“The bill – to be introduced into State Parliament this month – will ensure that the Crown and Anchor Hotel cannot be demolished, that it cannot be built over, and that its current land use as a hotel and live music venue will be preserved.”
The new planning laws will also aim to protect existing live music venues from demolition, with developers responsible for soundproofing developments built near venues.
A statement released by the Save the Cranker crew thanked everyone for their help with the rally and ongoing support over the past six months and also addressed what the future holds:
“So, what does today’s outcome mean? The Premier and Wee Hur Holdings Ltd have come to an agreement which protects the future of the Cranker as a pub and live music venue. While, sadly, this will see the closure of Roxie’s and Chateau Apollo—and temporary closure of the Cranker while soundproofing and construction of student accommodation occurs—it guarantees the Cranker continues to conduct business in perpetuity as it has since 1853. The Cranker will keep ‘serving our community as a music and arts venue, a socio-cultural hub, function venue, meeting place, and as a pub’ – aligning with our vision.
“Throughout the development the STC team will continue to advocate for the local community, to ensure a seamless transition and mitigate any concerns you have. We understand that with change comes uncertainty and we commit to keeping you informed during this process.
“Our mission statement has guided the campaign, and your support has allowed us to excel in the achievement of our goals. Thanks to this community we have raised global awareness about the erosion of live music in South Australia and the importance of accounting for intangible cultural heritage. We have engaged with a variety of stakeholders in a non-partisan manner, helping us inform our decision-making and support collaboration. Most importantly, we have been guided by you (the amazing Cranker community) and hope you can celebrate this victory with us.
“The Premier’s response also allows for other live music venues to be safeguarded under the same legislation, similar to the ‘agent of change’ principle operating in Melbourne. This puts the responsibility on new developers to implement soundproofing measures when constructing near an established venue, helping eliminate those pesky noise complaints. It also requires developers to be more considerate about the land they’re purchasing as they are obligated to meet additional soundproofing requirements. This is a huge win.”
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