In response to yesterday’s news that Melbourne’s The Palace is up for sale, operators have issued a statement assuring it’ll be business as usual for the time being, at least.

The venue is booked until November, with upcoming gigs including Lana Del Rey, Pennywise and UK crooner/unwitting YouTube sensation Rick Astley.

“The venue and its activities will continue as an operating business into the foreseeable future,” read a statement posted Facebook. “As a matter of priority, the Palace will be working towards a lease extension with the new building owners if a sale eventuates.”

The historic 152-year-old building has been put on the market by owner Jerry Pilarinos (formerly of the Palace Entertainment Complex in St Kilda), who transformed it from an underage nightclub into one of Melbourne’s best mid-sized venues after acquiring it in 2007. But the Palace faces an uncertain future, with foreign investors, owner-operators and publicans reportedly circling.

State industry peak body Music Victoria said the loss of the 1800-capacity theatre would be particularly acute given recent closures including Phoenix Public House and The East Brunswick Club.

“Music Victoria is concerned about the possible loss of (another) great live music venue in Victoria, one of the few of its size in Melbourne,” read a statement posted on Facebook. “Although their long-term future is uncertain, the venue will continue to present live music for a while yet and we acknowledge their decades of running music venues and commitment to music in Victoria. Show them some love and get out and see a gig there soon.”

The Palace was the site of the recent Hoodoo Gurus invitational Dig It Up!. Photos here.

+