Music lovers have been called to action in the Octagon, to take a stand on protecting Dunedin’s live music scene.
The call from Save Dunedin Live Music (SDLM) is in response to the Dunedin City Council’s (DCC) recent decision to grant resource consent in Rattray St for a four-storey, mixed-use development which includes apartments, next to the Crown Hotel - a popular live music venue.
SDLM spokesman David Bennett said the Crown was a cornerstone of the local music scene and was being threatened by the development next door.
"Right now in Dunedin, developers can build residential apartments next door to decades-long established music venues without addressing the potential impact on the venue.
"Requirements for sound-proofing are very modest and barely meet the standards of most modern cities, and are well behind other music cities.
"Any noise complaints thereafter are the problem of the venue, even if the venue is operating within the sound limits required of them."
Mr Bennett said the rally in the Octagon on August 7, would have live bands and speakers, and he hoped it would encourage the DCC and developers to do everything possible to protect the venue and others like it around the city.
"Without strong protections and good planning, with a focus on supporting live music, the tide of property development in a growing city will over time erode the local music scene beyond repair.
"We are not going to stand by and just let that happen.
"With so few venues left, we can’t afford to let that happen at all."
Dunedin had promoted itself for years off the back of its music scene and the Dunedin Sound, he said.
"It is time for the council to put their money where their mouth is and make the necessary changes to support their local venues and artists."
He said SDLM wanted the DCC to address issues with town planning, which should be in line with other music cities, and balance the needs of both residential requirements and arts and culture, including live music.
The group also wanted the DCC to continue its commitment to working towards a Music Action Plan in collaboration with the Dunedin music community.
"Right now, Dunedin lags behind other cities.
"We want options for addressing the threats to live music, on the table, at the next 2GP [2nd Generation District Plan] variation.
"We want the council to back live music as well as development by making sure that areas of our city are hubs of music, arts and culture from a planning perspective, with actual protections.
"We have to make these changes. If we don’t, we may lose the Crown, and with it, the unofficial home of grassroots music in Dunedin."
