Newcastle's iconic live music venue, The Cambridge Hotel, is for sale.
After two decades, the owners are seeking expressions of interest from developers.
A concept plan, designed by architect Jon Webber, has been drawn up for a high-rise apartment complex which could eventually be built on the Hunter Street site. The concept plan was created in order to show developers one potential use of the site, which has a height limit of 60 metres.
"It's time for the site to fall in line with what's happening in Newcastle West," says Cambridge co-owner John Palmieri.
"It's a prime gateway site to Newcastle West and with what's happening with The Store across the road. So it's an ideal opportunity for the site to fulfil its true potential."
Mr Palmieri says he would be happy to see the site transformed for residential use as in the concept plan, however, would like the buyers to consider incorporating a hotel within the precinct. He believes a live music venue could co-exist with residential use.
"It's the way you configure it that's most important...it's how you put the architecture in place to soundproof it. It certainly can be done; it's happening in Sydney all the time so I don't see why it couldn't happen in Newcastle."
Regardless of what developers eventually do with The Cambridge site, it seems as though last drinks are a long way off. In a statement on social media, hotel management explained there is still six years remaining on their lease, and they "have no intentions of going anywhere anytime soon," saying "it is clear to us that Newcastle loves live music, or any music for that matter. We love music too, and have no intention of shutting this party down."
As well as boasting performances from headline acts such as The Screaming Jets, Powderfinger and Silverchair, The Cambridge has also played an important role in the fostering of new talent, with many local bands playing at the venue, prompting concerns that emerging musicians may suffer from the Hotel's eventual closure.
Will St Claire, a member of local band, Split Feed, says there is a unique atmosphere at the Cambridge which makes playing there so enjoyable.
"It's just a lot different to many of the other venues in Newcastle where you're just playing for your mates in a smaller pub scene," Will says, "And now, in the past year or two [since renovations took place] the side bar has become the go-to place for local bands. The Cambridge is the centrepiece of the local scene.
"There's The Lass, Small Ballroom and Hamilton Station aswell, but The Cambridge is always the premiere venue."
John Palmieri hopes that in the years to come, developers will have time to think about their plans for the site, and if necessary, local musicians will find an alternative venue to play at.
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| Artist's impression of a potential residential high-rise on The Cambridge site. Image source: Newcastle Herald. |
