Paddington Town Hall today is most commonly known as a venue to host wedding receptions, school concerts or the odd community event or warehouse sale, but in its prime, its main auditorium was a major performance venue.

Its walls were witness to hedonistic artists’ balls at the start of the century and in the 60s. Across the 70s and 80s it hosted such iconic Australian acts as The Saints, Radio Birdman, The Divinyls, The Triffids and Hard-Ons, as well as a number of the Recreational Arts Team’s seminal parties. More recently the hall has was used by events like the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir and performances by contemporary acts Tame Impala, The Sleepy Jackson and Jack Ladder.

With this glorious past in mind, it’s time to bring back live acts!

We are now seeking proposals from venue managers, creative organisations and producers, artists and musicians to transform the building’s main auditorium into a performance space.

While proposals focusing on live music are welcome and encouraged, this opportunity is not just limited to live music. The successful proposal could focus on theatre, comedy, cabaret, or any other type of performance. Proposals must consider the town hall’s heritage, existing technical infrastructure and backstage. As part of this process, we will be consulting with existing organisations, including Chauvel Cinema, Metro Screen, Eastside Radio and Paddington Library, as well as the hall’s regular hirers.

These changes are coming from our new Live Music and Performance Action Plan and the Cultural Policy, both of which back live music and performance so that Council-owned properties are made available as space for performers.

To view the Expression of Interest and submit your proposal please register at Tenderlink