The Oriental Tavern, which has also traded as the Ori and Starters Bar, was demolished in North Dunedin yesterday afternoon.
The Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) bought the Starters Bar lease in an effort to create "a safe entertainment option for students, particularly first-year students" in 2018, but closed it during the Covid-19 pandemic before letting go of its lease in late 2023.
Starters Bar was closed in 2021 after the building was deemed a seismic risk.
OUSA chief executive Debbie Downs was philosophical about yesterday’s events.
"While the demolition of Starters Bar is necessary to address future safety concerns, it’s undeniably a moment of nostalgia for many.
Robert Scott, of The Bats and The Clean, said back in the day it was one of the best venues to play at.
"You could fit 300 in a squeeze.
"It was very easy to put on a gig there. Whoever was in charge would just let the bands do exactly what they wanted because they knew they were going to sell a lot of beer.
"It was the right place at the right time."
He wondered whether there had been a culture change in general.
"There's fewer pubs around and music-wise there's hardly anything.
"It's something that is a sign of the times."
Southern Heritage Trust spokeswoman Jo Galer said they were "saddened" and "blindsided" by the news of the demolition.
"It’s obviously one of those buildings that was regarded as having heritage, but not officially listed by Heritage New Zealand.
"It’s such an iconic venue as a place which used to host much of the Dunedin Sound, while it was also important as a socialising space for University of Otago students."
"It wouldn't be uncommon that you might start your night at one of those pubs and end up at the other, especially in the days of early closing."
Asked whether the Oriental Tavern’s demolition was a sad occasion, he said "when live music ceased to be hosted there, when the focus became more on drinking culture, that essentially was the sad part".
In 2023, one of the building’s owners, Ross and Dowling Trustees (2006) Ltd director Simon Anderson, said "there are issues with the building, not least a seismic assessment of the building revealed critical weaknesses and low seismic performance".
"It is hoped that a new venue up to current standards might be possible. However, there are regulatory matters to get to grips with before any firm plans can be made."
The owners have been contacted for comment.
