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pledge a seat to restore the Palais

Keep up the pledges to the Palais Foundation.  So far we’ve attracted $1.5million to decouple the Theatre from the development.  All it takes is a few savvy investors to see what a good deal this is - $20 million for a 99-year lease to run a commercial theatre and venue - check out this Age link.

Surely the beautiful 80 year old Palais Theatre can be revived without St Kilda's soul being beholden to a massive shopping and nightclub precinct on neighbouring crown land.

Rachel Griffiths thinks so.  On 28 December 2007, in front of the Palais Theatre, she launched a community led drive to refurbish the Palais with community funds and also asked the state government to take its responsibility to preserve this heritage building for all of Australians.

"It is not unusual for patrons of the arts, here and overseas, to buy a seat to financially support a venue. I willingly pledge the first $5,000 for my favourite seat.  I always sat in the front row of the dress circle at the ballet when I was growing up. Locals should get behind the fight to save the Palais Theatre," she said.

Sony BMG Australia immediately confirmed that Bruce Springsteen, who performed solo acoustic at the Palais in February 1997, will back Rachel with a similar pledge.  At the time, Springsteen said how much the Palais and St Kilda reminded him of where he grew up playing in Asbury Park on the Jersey shore.

Australia's premier promoter, Paul Dainty, confirmed the Rolling Stones would also add their support.  The Palais hosted seven Rolling Stones shows during their first Australian tour in early 1965.  A year later, they returned there for a further six shows.

On the local front, Human Nature, Shannon Noll and David Campbell have already pledged to buy a seat. More high profile entertainers and Australia's business elite are expected to follow suit.

The Palais Theatre has 2,700 seats.  At $5,000 a seat, the campaign has the potential to raise $13.5 million for the upgrade. 

unChain St Kilda is investigating a business plan for the refurbishment and revenue generating opportunities of the Palais and will be seeking advice from world-renowned theatre owners, operators and promoters. When the Palais Foundation is given the go ahead, we will call in your pledges.

Send in your pledges...

"If a Palais Foundation were to be established for the purpose of reviving the heritage Palais Theatre as a vibrant and profitable multi-purpose cultural and entertainment venue, leased by an accredited venue operator, I willingly pledge $5,000 for a seat."

your name:

your email address:

your mailing address:

no of seats @ $5,000 per seat:

        

OR

"I can't afford $5,000 but would still like to pledge - please accept my pledge for the amount below, to go towards a 'community seat'."

your name:

your email address:

your mailing address:

$ amount of pedge

        

 

  

 


 
 

unChain St Kilda Inc, Incorporated Association No A0051216V   unchainstkilda@gmail.com