ONE of the hottest CBD locations in Port Macquarie is now available to lease.
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The Pier on Clarence Street has been closed for two weeks.
The CBD venue was a mecca for patrons wanting a night out and was known for featuring some of Australia’s hottest live music acts.
The Pier was set to host the Iluka 'Blue My Soul' Australian Tour 2017 on March 16 before the doors closed.
Local musician, Mark Spence, has played multiple gigs at The Pier and hosted the open mic night for over a year.
He said it feels as though the town has lost a strong music venue for original artists.
“It would be a blow to the local music scene if it didn’t reopen,” he said.
“Over the past two to three years there have been lots of young bands coming through playing gigs at The Pier. I think the closure is already being felt in the town.
Mr Spence said he found out about the closing The Pier like everyone else.
“I was going to go and see a band one night and then was told it was closed, so it was a bit of a shock,” he said.
“I’d love to see it reopen as a similar venue. There is enough demand there that we do need a venue that will provide for local musicians, particularly the original content.
“That is one thing that is very rare but that The Pier excelled at.”
Building owner Jeff Gillespie said the closure of the venue is not permanent at this stage and welcomes any interested new tenants to consider the future benefits of the site.
“It was end of lease and at this stage it will be re-opening but the previous lease had run out,” he said.
“We are looking at what changes we might make to it (the building). It was originally two separate premises so I haven’t decided what to do yet.”
Mr Gillespie confirmed the previous tenants are not renewing the lease.
“When I have decided what I want to do with the building, I will be looking for some new people to run something from the premises in a satisfactory manner,” he said.
“I can’t say for sure if it will still be called The Pier, that will be up to the new tenant, but I would be surprised if it wasn’t used for something similar to what it currently is.”
He said he is not in a rush to sign someone to the lease, stating it will be a case of choosing “the right person” for what is one of Port Macquarie’s prime locations.
“I’m more interested in the right tenant. I have other tenants in the building next door and I wouldn’t want to be putting someone in who wasn’t the right mix,” he said.
“The Pier ….. has had its ups and downs in the last couple of years and proved to be one of the most popular spots in town.
“The area is very much eat street, and with the waterfront as well, it is a very attractive spot.”
Mr Gillespie said he is open to expressions of interests regarding The Pier premises.
The Pier’s management was contacted for comment.