Lyric owner called to action
Ally Mercer will be writing a history of the Lyric Theatre with hopes the final chapter will be a revitalisation and reactivation of the iconic building.
July 31 2024
By Rachel Williams
Scottsdale’s iconic Lyric Theatre will go up for sale in August with its owner hopeful someone can restore it.
Terence Walder confirmed this week that he would list the property for sale, with a price tag of over $425,000.
Mr Walder said he would fix the damaged entry doors this week after receiving an order from Dorset Council to take action on safety grounds.
Council Director of Community and Development Rohan Willis confirmed the council had requested action on the doors, which have smashed windows and a collapsing frame.
The King St façade was first damaged during inclement weather in May, when Council officers took emergency action to temporarily re-erect the entrance.
“Council has since commenced compliance proceedings with the owner to undertake necessary repairs to the premises and to ensure these measures comply with any requirements of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, noting the building’s heritage status,” Mr Willis said.
Mr Walder said he would respond to the request and had been in contact with the THC.
In the long-term, the Evandale-based owner said he was hopeful someone would be able to achieve a restoration vision that he could not.
“I had visions, but they fell through with the banks and getting funding,” Mr Walder said.
“I am keen to see someone buy it and restore it and bring it back to its
former glory.”
That vision is shared by many in the community, including one Scottsdale resident who has tried to purchase it in the past.
The woman, who wants to remain anonymous, said she had tried to buy it when it was last for sale two years ago and she would again put in a bid.
“It is a piece of real estate that is falling into disrepair and I want to see somebody do something with it,” she said.
“It will be a romantic investment not a wise one as it will require a lot of money to be spent on it, but I want to get it over the line and I think the only viable option is for someone local to buy it because they would have a vested interest in making it beautiful again for our community.”
A revitalisation would be the perfect last chapter for a new book on the rise and fall of the icon by passionate history writer Ally Mercer.
In conjunction with the Dorset Tasmania History Society, she is about to commence writing the history of the Lyric so that its importance to the region is not lost
“To many in the community the Lyric Theatre holds special memories,” she said.
“The building itself was the most modern of its time back 100 years ago. Now, it is a shell of its former self and its heyday has passed. From its days of weekly films, fantastic dances, debutante balls and locally produced plays, the Lyric was such an important building to
our region.
“I need help from our community who have memories of the Lyric so that the full story of the building can be told.
“If anyone has photos or memorabilia, including programmes or tickets, that would be great too.”
Her research is starting with gathering stories and asking for access to
any memorabilia to help prepare the history.
An information session is being held at the Mechanics’ Hall this Friday, August 2, from 10am until 2pm.
“I would love to see everyone come along and reminisce,” she said.