Imperial’s future to be decided Monday night

The City of Sydney is expected to reject the Imperial Hotel’s push to have a giant stiletto erected on its rooftop when it meets on Monday night.

However the hotel is expected to be granted a one-year trial that would see its patron numbers for the cellar, public and cabaret bars increased to 518 people.

Owner Shadd Danesi says he wants to increase the number of patrons allowed in the hotel to prevent long queues of people forming down busy Erskineville Rd, and the stiletto as a nod to the hotel inspiring the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

I would view the stiletto, by now, as part of the heritage of the Imperial Hotel, he told the Sydney Star Observer.

Part of the heritage associated with this hotel is the movie and it is more valuable than the Art Deco design. It stands for being the home of the gay and lesbian community, and it has been that for the last 20 years. That is of cultural significance and should be preserved in such a way.

However in their report to Monday night’s meeting the council states the stiletto would detract from the heritage value and significance of the hotel and the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Former ACON president and Erskineville resident Adrian Lovney has started a Facebook campaign to ensure the council hears all sides of the debate.

There is a real risk Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the council will only hear one view, and it is important they get a balanced view, he said.

The Imperial has been a well-run venue for more than 20 years and has been a generous supporter of the community.

Look up Save The Imperial Hotel on Facebook or email savetheimperial@hotmail.com. The council will debate the Imperial application after 6pm.

With Scott Abrahams