St Kilda’s historic Palais Theatre is set to reopen this week, following an extensive refurbishment, for the St Kilda Film Festival Opening Night on Thursday, brighter and more vibrant than ever.
“We said we would save the Palais to ensure it remains an important part of St Kilda’s culture and Victoria’s live music scene for many years to come – that’s exactly what we’ve done,” said Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley. “Everyone from Mick Jagger to Kylie Minogue has strutted their stuff on the Palais stage, and generations of Victorians have enjoyed countless nights of entertainment at the venue. Long may that continue.”
The iconic façade of the 89-year-old venue has been repaired, repainted and returned to its original 1927 colour and a new state-of-the-art light system has been installed, making the Palais a key focal point of the St Kilda skyline once again.
The automated light system can be programmed to turn any colour or pattern and will illuminate the theatre inside and out, creating a spectacular light show. The historic Palais Theatre sign has also been reinstalled following a complete restoration and will be linked into the new light show.
These new features will create a sense of excitement and anticipation for audiences as they approach the building, wait in the foyer and then take their seats before the performance.
With $13.4 million from the Andrews Labor Government and $7.5 million from the City of Port Phillip, the project has also resolved the building’s critical maintenance and infrastructure issues including upgrades to the theatre’s electrical system, fire protection and hydraulic systems.
Good project management has enabled an extra $3.5 million worth of additions to the project including an upgraded plumbing system and additional landscaping, as well as the new light show. Bringing the total spend on the project to $26.9 million from project partners.
New leaseholder Live Nation began a $6 million internal works program in March to ensure the interior of the building matches the grandeur of the façade. These works, which include restoration of the foyer and the Palais Theatre’s historic ceiling domes, will continue over the coming months around scheduled events.
For more information, visit: www.majorprojects.vic.gov.au or take a sneak-peak of the refurbishment below. For more information on what’s happening at the Palais Theatre, visit: www.palaistheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Palais Theatre at night – courtesy of Major Projects Victoria