Festivals & Venues: Sydney nightclubs wins, Festival Hall saved, new space in Adelaide

SYDNEY NIGHTCLUBS WINS AT AHA AWARDS

Sydney nightclub had their share of wins at the AHA (Australian Hotels Association) NSW awards for excellence this week.

The Cargo Bar took home best entertainment venue, while the ivy won the best promotional concept category for its Pacha Sydney launch.

Nightclub and restaurant owners Josh & Justin Hemmes were inducted into the hall of fame, while their company Merivale scooped group operators of the year.

The event was held before 1,200 members of the hospitality industry. The 40 categories drew 600 nominations.

HERITAGE LISTING SAVES MELBOURNE FESTIVAL HALL

Melbourne’s Festival Hall has been saved from the wrecker’s ball after gaining  "cultural heritage significance" status from Heritage Council Victoria because of its role as the only major “purpose-built boxing and wrestling venue to physically demonstrate the long-term history of these sports in the state” as well as its longtime association with live music.

Its owners have said that the venue is no longer financially value and in 2017 proposed to knock the building down to create two 16-storey towers at the site with residential, commercial and business spaces for $65 million.

The heritage listing doesn’t stop redevelopment of the 100-year building.

But developers must work with heritage authorities.

Planning minister Richard Wynne said, “This is about making sure that a renowned heartbeat of Melbourne will live on, and memories that span from The Beatles and Frank Sinatra to Lester Ellis and Lionel Rose will be protected.”

NEW LIVE MUSIC SPACE IN ADELAIDE

Acoustic music sessions on Friday nights will be held during December at the newly opened Malt Shovel Taphouse under the Festival Centre.

It’s operated by Adelaide Oval  (which is right opposite) with Lion Co, with Alison Davis as venue manager.