COUNCIL MEETING TO URGE GREATER PROTECTION OVER CROWN & ANCHOR
This afternoon, the city council will commence a motion that encourages the state government to exhibit greater protection over the heritage-listed Crown & Anchor Hotel on Grenfell Street to stop the proposed 15-storey student accommodation development from actualising.
Deputy Lord Mayor Keiran Snape will today urge the Lord Mayor to write a letter to state Premier Peter Malinauskas for greater protection over historic live music venues like the Crown & Anchor Hotel in a council meeting.
On March 19, Singaporean developers Wee Hur Holdings lodged a proposal to build multi-storey student accommodation where the Grenfell Street heritage-listed site resides.
Further to this request, Snape will note that the development proposal submitted will “result in the loss of a significant historic building in our city”, which “may have a negative impact on the lively and thriving East End.” He will also highlight the City of Adelaide’s status as a UNESCO City of Music and the role the Crown & Anchor plays in developing emerging musicians, SA’s live music scene, and the city’s culture.
The movement comes as public support continues to swell behind the Save the Cranker initiative, which launched on April 4 after two weeks of grassroots campaigning. The official petition, started on change.org on March 22, has garnered more than 15,000 signatures. As stated by the SA Parliament, a single web-based petition with over 10,000 signatures “will be referred to the Legislative Review Committee”.
Taking to social media yesterday afternoon, the official Save the Cranker page encouraged its followers to attend the public council motion to show their support for the venue. Those who would like to attend can meet at the Adelaide Town Hall foyer at 5:15pm before the motion commences at 5:30pm sharp. It is encouraged that you dress as you would when visiting the Cranker.
The Crown & Anchor was first licensed in 1853 and, in its 170-year tenure, has become a home for the state’s live music scene, hosting nation-favourite acts alongside a weekly program of local artists. The hotel, which received its heritage listing in 1991, was acquired by the SA-owned Karidis Corporation in 2016. Ultimately, what is protected by this designation will be determined by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP).
It is noted in the agenda tabled for this evening’s meeting that SA’s Planning & Design Code has no responsibility for the “preservation of buildings for arts/cultural heritage reasons, or live music specifically.”
Since the development to build a 15-storey accommodation block was lodged, the music, arts and creative scene of South Australia has rallied together to call for greater protection of the cultural significance of heritage-listed institutions like the Crown & Anchor.
“The Cranker is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of our community, our history and our love for live music,” reads the official Save the Cranker petition.
“It is a church to many. A safe haven, a discussion, a party, a listening ear, a teacher, a delightful ale. The hotel serves as a meeting place, a melting pot of society where people from all walks of life come together.
“Let’s stand together against any attempts at demolition or change in use that would rob us of this invaluable South Australian asset.”
You can join the Save the Cranker petition here. For those wanting to attend the council meeting, arrive at Adelaide Town Hall’s foyer at 5:15pm.
