News emerged on Tuesday that Sunset Events was successful with its Expression Of Interest in regards to The Artillery Drill Hall of the Fly By Night Musician’s Club, having made a presentation to the National Trust WA.
Sunset Events are looking to commit to a long term 21-year lease, the negotiation of which will now proceed with the Trust.
They are now very definitely two sides in this scenario, given the Fly By Night weren’t in agreement with a joint submission initially proposed by Sunset Events. We asked both for comment.
Executive Director, John Reid, was scheduled to yesterday present a petition of 7,000 signatures to WA Parliament.
“The Fly is a community venue, the Drill Hall is a government owned building, and Sunset Events will gain a lot from both, but the Fly and the community will gain very little,” he told X-Press. “The State government will ensure the National Trust WA are aware of this as the National Trust WA could be very naïve when it comes to doing business with a commercial entity.
“The lease, to my knowledge, hasn’t been discussed in detail or signed off on as yet by either party, but what I have read from both parties in my opinion contradicts my business ethics so there is a lot more issues to be dealt with, and the Fly is one that will action further.”
Sunset Events’ Managing Director, Dave Chitty, meanwhile, is positive about this development, as well as the continuation of the Fly’s legacy both on the stage and in the community.
“We look forward to working with the trust, the music industry and its fans, the many community and arts organisations who are interested in utilising the space and delivering an experience in the venue that builds upon its already solid cultural legacy,” he said.
“We will offer the Fly board the opportunity to offer the space to its members and to the club itself for fundraising opportunities. More details about our vision for the space will be released in 2015.”
It’s interesting times all ‘round.
BOB GORDON
