Breaking News: St Kilda Has Been Classified as Victoria's First Ever Live Music Precinct

In huge news for Melbourne's arts and entertainment industry, St Kilda is set to become Victoria's first Live Music Precinct (LMP). It is hoped that the classification and a range of new initiatives will help protect St Kilda's long and vibrant history of live music, allowing the industry to flourish following a disastrous few years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next steps in establishing St Kilda's LMP include Port Phillip Council working in collaboration with the Victorian Government to simplify and streamline the noise complaint process, aiming to reduce the burden on venues and events. Plus, applications for live music permits will be easier for existing venues under the new scheme.

Port Phillip Council is also investigating potential changes to planning regulations to help protect St Kilda's existing and future live music venues, including better soundproofing in new residential developments.

Image: St Kilda Fest, 2023 by Nathan Doran

"St Kilda's status as Victoria's first LMP reflects our famous suburb's past as a much-loved live music hub, its present as a renowned live music destination and its future as a ground-breaking example of how to keep live music alive close to homes and businesses," Port Phillip Council Mayor Heather Cunsolo says.

"Making it simpler for residents to raise concerns such as noise complaints, supporting musicians and music events and slashing red tape for venues are all ways our Council can be a live music 'one stop shop'," Cunsolo continued.

Image: St Kilda Fest market stalls by Jimmy Logan

A preliminary map of the Live Music Precinct will see parts of Fitzroy, Acland and Barkly Streets classified as 'core live music' areas, where live music venues already exist or where new entertainment venues could be established in the future. Notable areas under this classification include St Kilda Sea Baths, Stokehouse, Prince Hotel, South Beach Reserve, Palais Theatre, Luna Park, Acland Street Plaza, St Kilda Bowling Club and Australia's first Pride Centre.

The new legislation in Victoria follows in the footsteps of Queensland and NSW, which have classified areas as Special Entertainment Precincts in Fortitude Valley and Enmore Road respectively. As part of the initiative in Sydney, Enmore Road businesses are encouraged to host live music and entertainment, with a range of special allowances for venues.

Image: Palais Opening Night, St Kilda Film Festival, supplied.

To keep up-to-date with the project head to the Port Phillip Council page. Community consultation will be undertaken throughout the project. 

Top image: SWAY Digital Agency by Nathan Doran.