The latest news on the Crown & Anchor development
Some good news may soon arrive for the thousands of people who have turned up and worked hard to save the beloved live music venue and pub, the Crown & Anchor. This morning, David Penberthy took to the mic on FIVEAA’s weekdays to say that a deal to save the Cranker could ‘be imminent’.
“We’re hearing that the Crown and Anchor is very close to being saved,” he stated. “My understanding is that the Premier has taken personal carriage of this issue and has been involved in a number of meetings.
He continues: “The government, understandably, has been mindful of two things. It doesn’t want to set a precedent where it looks like it’ll come in from left field and start unilaterally banning or green-lighting major investments because it will be a red light to potential investors to the city. The other thing is that it needs to maintain student housing stock.
“But I’ve been told, I’ve got it on good authority, that through these meetings it’s now at a point where the developers have given up ground or are close to agreeing on giving up ground and that an elegant solution is soon to be unveiled.
“The deal is imminent.
“But apparently, in what’s going to be great news for this pub that’s been there for more than 100 years, the Cranker is going to be saved.”
In March, Singaporean developers Wee Hur Holdings Ltd. lodged plans with the State Planning Commission to transform 188 and 196 Grenfell Street – home to the Cranker, Roxie’s, Chateau Apollo and Midnight Spaghetti – into student housing.
The grassroots support has been swift, with more than 3000 people turning up to support saving the heritage-listed site in a rally outside Parliament House to ‘Save the Cranker’ in April.
The second Rally to Save the Cranker will occur this weekend, August 18, after an incredible 1,328 SCAP submissions were received by Plan SA, smashing the previous record.
Dave Gleeson from The Screaming Jets and rising troublemakers LOLA are performing at the upcoming Rally to Save The Cranker on Sunday, August 18.
You can find out more information about this weekend’s rally here.
The run of shows comes in support of WAAX’s forthcoming album, ANGEL’S MESS.
The concert series features incredible talent covering the greatest Australian songs of all time.
‘Victim of Luck’ is Metric’s first taste of their upcoming tenth studio album, Romanticize The Dive.
The singer-songwriters ‘undressed’ national tour finds Steele performing a set of stripped-back crowd pleasers.
Catch Notion rip up Hindley Street Music Hall this May.
The American rapper, singer and multi-instrumentalist is finally touring Australia this year.
Catch Mike Skinner performing A Grand Don’t Come For Free in Adelaide, March 2026.
The band will perform the album in its entirety on the tour.
The new names join headliners Florence + the Machine, Lewis Capaldi, somber and Twenty One Pilots.
The latest release from the genre-bending artist arrives ahead of her appearance at this year’s Coachella festival.
The British rock outfit are touring their critically acclaimed 2025 album, The Clearing.
The concert series is a celebration of Watts’ legendary career.
‘Sunburned in London’ is a welcome return from the Melbourne five-piece.
The American nu metal act will be joined on tour by The Gloom in the Corner and Dregg, along with local supports in each city.
The tour is a celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary.
The two powerhouse vocalists are also touring Australia this month.
The former Australian Crawl frontman has been advised he requires surgery.
The Kiwi brothers are touring in support of their debut album, Portal.
Tickets are selling fast for a wide range of shows held across February and March.
The new musical based on the life of The Voice begins in Sydney this November.
The Florida heavyweights will be joined on tour by special guests Haywire.
Superbloom is Jessie Ware’s follow-up to her 2023 album That! Feels Good!.