In response to our story about plans for the Woolstore in West Footscray
I would be in favour of an old school live music Venue inside the Woolstore. West Footscray, Tottenham and Braybrook would benefit having a live music venue of a medium size that holds anywhere between 300 and 800 people. That would also include about 50-75 seats being made available for People with Disabilities, and accessible features such as ease of entrance, toilets for PWD. This venue would also help local support bands get their start supporting a well known medium sized band. Of course, one of the most important factors is up to date sound proofing and constant reminders throughout the Venue to respect any nearby neighbors when leaving. Then again, I do get people have other ideas, after all I am just a middle aged live music idealist.
Hamish Christie
This proposal is well known by the residents and definitely raises both supporting and opposing views. Currently this community is fighting several fights with government …. the data centre and the giant power poles. They are feeling tired and ignored by those who they voted for and that should represent their constituents and community. This is another battle for government and council to engage, consult, represent and ensure the best interests of this community are THE PRIORITY. We may not be against this, but we want to be heard.
Maria Correia
In response to last month’s opinion piece on Maribyrnong’s proposed Creative West plan
Water the grass roots of the Arts community by sending Council Arts workers into the kitchens of local artists on a weekly basis. While they are there they could ask the question: what do you want? And then they could spend money implementing that. I’m convinced we would end up with artistic outcomes that would be the envy of the rest of Australia. My other suggestion is that every arts organisation in Australia declare what percentage of their budget is spent on concrete.
Leo Dale
I’ve worked in every decent sized performing arts centre in Australia and a 500 seat theatre in Footscray is a waste of public money. Particularly in the current and upcoming economic and entertainment environments. How many nights per year are the Moonee Ponds and Werribee theatres dark? Search the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie for a cautionary tale. The whole council got the sack for it. Local Performing artists will find spaces. They won’t be able to afford the sort of rent this white elephant will need to charge to cover its costs.
Updating the Library by the way is an excellent idea.
Kevin Harrington
Imagine if they used that money to buy the Forges site and let creatives work in the building for peppercorn rent.
Sally Anne
