Working with Save Dunedin Live Music (SDLM), the council developed the Otepoti Live Music Action Plan, an overarching strategy to identify opportunities, strengths and challenges for live music activities in the city.
The plan proposed the creation of dedicated entertainment precincts, where live music was prioritised over residential land use, reviewing acoustic insulation requirements and investigating options for a new mid-sized venue for live music.
Yesterday, at a community services committee meeting, councillors voted 13-1 to adopt the plan, note its accompanying implementation plan, and note the next steps in the document’s development.
SDLM spokesman David Bennett said working on the issue had been a large part of his and others’ lives for the past two years.
The short answer to whether the group was pleased with the draft plan was, "Yes, we are".
"Does it contain everything we hoped it would? No.
"Nonetheless, we are willing to stand by the work in this draft and say confidently that we believe it will give the music community ... a fantastic opportunity to re-imagine how Dunedin does live music."
Mr Bennett said the plan was "a solid starting point" for getting back on the road to doing what Dunedin was known around the world for: creating great music.
He said the Crown Hotel would be a good starting point for a future entertainment precinct.
The Rattray St area was once "the centre of town and the centre of nightlife in this city."
"It’s got history baked into the pavement there."
Cr Steve Walker said really good work had emanated from both council staff and SDLM.
"Let’s not forget where this all started, it started with a lot of anger and a lot of distrust."
He wanted to support the 2500 people employed in arts and culture in the city, and the plan formed an excellent suite of potential and exciting solutions for Dunedin.
"We need to grab this opportunity now, because if we don’t we let down a music community in this city crying out for help."
His only concerns were whether council was equipped to resource the large amount of items in the implementation plan, in particular a music adviser position, and about how to action the creation of one or more entertainment precincts.
Cr Carmen Houlahan expressed her gratitude towards SDLM and acknowledged it had been a long journey.
"Out of something bad, often something good comes.
"First of all it was Sammy’s, then it was Dog With Two Tails, then The Crown and then everyone started getting worried."
The music community had spoken up and attended the annual plan meetings in unprecedented numbers, she said.
She said securing an entertainment precinct would eliminate venue owners’ fears of getting closed down for playing music.
Cr Lee Vandervis was the sole objector to the motion. — Additional reporting Hamish MacLean
