Show could be over for music venue
Auckland music venue the Kings Arms Tavern looks set to fall victim to the city’s rampant demand for development property.
The 19th century pub, which has helped launch the careers of many Kiwi acts, could make way for apartments after being listed for sale yesterday.
Owner and publican of 25 years Maureen Gordon said the sale wasn’t necessarily the death-knell for the venue. The right offer had to be made, and there was a slim chance a new buyer might keep it open and build on the surrounding land.
Selling up was a tough decision but reflected business reality.
‘‘I feel very sad about it,’’ she said. ‘‘We’re very reluctant to walk away from the music scene but overheads and expenses are pretty high. Rates and all those things come into it. And it’s very valuable land that’s sitting there.’’
Gordon said it was business as usual for now, with an ongoing lease on the business and existing bookings stretching into 2017 still going ahead.
Neill Fraser, of Auckland rock band Villainy, said closure would leave a huge hole in the city’s cultural landscape.
‘‘There aren’t many dirty rock pubs left in Auckland.’’
Agents Bayleys said the site could be a prime spot for a multistorey development.