27 Oct 2017

Residents weigh in on venue's next phase

8:23 pm on 27 October 2017

More than 200 residents have given feedback to the Dunedin City Council about what to do with a landmark nightclub, Sammy's.

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The Clean are among a roster of New Zealand bands to have played at Sammy's over the decades. Photo: Ben Howe

The council bought the building in February for $128,000 in an effort to save it from potential demolition.

The recognisable green building in Crawford St has a rich history and played an instrumental role in the heyday of Dunedin's music scene.

Originally built in 1896 and operated by the A&P Society, it has seen many changes since.

It was redeveloped into His Majesty's Theatre in 1902 and, after closure and partial demolition in the '70s, it reopened in 1983 as Sammy's restaurant and nightclub and gained a reputation as a key venue in Dunedin's music development.

Of those who had given feedback, many wished to see it used as a venue or hub for performing arts, live music and theatre, the council said.

Very few respondents wanted the council to get rid of the building, the council said.

The feedback would go before the council's community and culture committee on 21 November and a decision about the building's future would follow.

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