It will also include a return to the venue’s original 1927 sandstone colour, Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley and Heritage Victoria executive director Tim Smith announced at a media call at the Palais on Friday.
The Palais was originally given a copperas finish where an iron sulphate wash is applied to an external masonry render. The iron sulphate reacts with lime in the render creating a sandy, orange colour as it sets.
These sorts of finishes were often used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to save money, as they were cheaper than the paint finishes available at the time.
The Palais’ current off-white came in the mid 20th century when it was modified with a larger orchestra pit and additional dressing rooms to provide a venue for the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust.
The original copperas finish would have faded and become streaked leaving the building with a blotchy and uneven grey finish most likely motivating the decision to repaint.
The old/new colour came with the permission of Heritage Victoria. It has a policy of encouraging repainting in original schemes, as evidenced in recent permits for Flinders Street Station, the dome of the State Library Victoria and at Footscray Railway Station.
Minister for Creative Industries and Member for Albert Park Martin Foley said, “We promised to save the Palais – and we’re doing just that. The work currently being done will ensure it remainsan important part of St Kilda’s culture and Victoria’s live music scene for many years to come.”
Foley, who took his wife on their first date in 1984 to the Palais, added, “For the last two years, we’ve delivered on the things that matter most to people – creating more jobs by ensuring we have great facilities to host only the best cultural events.”
A further $7 million of works will be made by Live Nation, which takes over as the venue’s operator next April, and made the upgrade commitment as part of its $60 million 30-year lease announced this July.
Although there were some rumblings in some quarters about Live Nation taking over, Port Phillip mayor Bernadene Voss said at the time that the local community will “never have to put their hands in their pockets again to fund” the venue.
Comments on social media have slammed the fact that there is seemingly no urgency in updating the run-down seating, and that no air conditioning expected until 2025.
