Lyric development in pipeline?
• Terence Walder and his partner when he purchased the Lyric Theatre back in 2010.
April 01, 2020
Owner Terence Walder purchased the property in 2010 from Kelly Gerke for $150,000.
This was the third time the building had changed hands since the mid 1990s.
When Mr Walder bought the theatre, which was constructed in 1924, he had a strong interest in developing it.
“I got plans drawn up for the building and discussed those with council and the heritage department,” he said.
“I am planning to sell it soon and will probably sell it with the plans.”
Mr Walder said the plans include making it two floors, with an entertainment centre up the top and an arcade of small shops down below.
Such a development could offer small shops spaces with cheaper rent than other businesses throughout Scottsdale.
“Put in a stage so you can hold various functions and theatre [performances]. Take it back to what it was and make it multifunction space,” he said.
Representatives of the Heritage Council took photographs of the building several years ago, which was virtually gutted prior to Mr Walder buying it.
“They’re aware there’s not a lot in there worth hanging on to,” he said.
“The Heritage Council want the panel ceiling with cover strips left as it is.”
One of the previous owners operated a bottle shop in the building, and removed the original seating and reportedly running a forklift over the floor, which caused it to sink.
Sections of the floor have also been damaged after a fire was lit inside.
When asked about the possibility of returning the Lyric to a picture theatre, Mr Walder said it was unlikely.
“Obviously you could put everything back as it was, but it wouldn’t be financially viable to turn it into a theatre,” he said.
Since purchasing the Lyric, Mr Walder, who now lives on the North-West coast, said his interests have moved on.
He intends to put it on the market later this year, but he would still like to see someone brings his plans to fruition.
Mr Walder said he would like to see what is left of the building’s character to remain unchanged.
“I personally think building is of high value to the community and I think it should be left as it is but at the same time not interfere with the commercial zone,” he said.
“It is worth doing something with, getting community back in building and enjoying it.”
Among several ideas that have been proposed for the building, David Foster floated the possibility of purchasing the Lyric Theatre in 2007 to house his memorabilia collection, which never eventuated.