A heritage-listed bluestone warehouse in the heart of Brunswick is set to be transformed into a new theatre-style live music venue, after plans for the development were approved by Merri-bek City Council last week.
The $17 million fit-out of the former Melville Grain Stores site will feature a unique ‘acoustic shell’ design – similar to that of the Melbourne Recital Centre – providing a state-of-the-art concert-going experience while retaining and restoring the building’s original character.
The planned venue in the heritage-listed, bluestone warehouse at 11-17 Colebrook Street will house a 500-patron, tiered auditorium suitable for performances spanning all music genres, as well as two bars and a commercial kitchen. Upon completion, it looks to be a sure-bet for one of the best live music venues in Melbourne.
Melbourne’s new live music venue
- A 500-capacity live music venue in a bluestone warehouse
- 11-17 Colebrook Street, Brunswick
- Former Melville Grain Stores building
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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The building is part of a larger industrial zone situated just a stone’s throw from Moreland Station on the Upfield train line, and a short walk from the number 19 tram on Sydney Road.
Merri-bek City Council Mayor Adam Pulford said the venue would provide a new offering to Brunswick’s diverse creative culture and live music scene.
“Brunswick is home to such a creative community, with many of our residents working in the arts and music. This new live music venue will not only provide a stage for our local performers, it will also bring new, different shows to our city,” Cr Pulford said.
To reduce potential noise impacts, council limited patron numbers and hours of operation from those put forward in the planning application, as well as stipulating strict acoustic treatment measures to be adhered to, ensuring the venue complies with state-wide Environment Protection Authority (EPA) standards.
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“Council’s changes to the original permit application will help reduce the impact of the new venue on local residents, while supporting our thriving creative scene to continue to flourish, which is part of what makes our city such a great place,” Cr Pulford said.
The Colebrook Street venue will provide a viable re-use and the ongoing protection of a building with state-level heritage significance. It is a rare example of a bluestone warehouse that is in the same calibre as Pentridge Prison – a now much-loved multi-use space that has successfully retained its significant heritage.
The approval of the new live music venue delivers on council’s aims to create and protect opportunities for the enjoyment of live music, delivery of new local employment opportunities and the restoration and ongoing reuse of a heritage building of state-wide significance.
Head to the Merri-Bek City Council website for the latest info.
