It's the end of an era for Wollongong, with a much loved night spot finally handed their end date.
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The owner of Rad Bar at the corner of Kembla and Crown Streets announced on Tuesday all tenants of the Langs Corner building had been told to vacate by mid-June to allow for demolition.
"As soul crushing as this news is, there is absolutely nothing we can do at this point and we encourage you all to make the most of the last couple of months here," Daniel Radburn said in a Facebook post.
The building, which was constructed in 1933 and named after former mayor William Lang, is to be dismantled and then rebuilt into a multimillion-dollar office tower.
Radburn told the Mercury he anticipates some time off after the closure, though could not confirm if he had plans to relocate the bar to another area or start a new one.
"We can't be sure on anything at this time, we'll just have to wait and see," he said.
"I started it in my mid twenties so I've definitely grown and probably changed a bit. I more so now have a personal understanding of the importance of art's and culture within our community."
Hundreds of patrons have taken to the bar's Facebook page to vent their heartbreak while also listing their favourite gigs.
"Rad Bar soon became a venue to book a tour at for up and coming bands," wrote Sarah McEwan. "They welcomed all the acts I booked with open arms. Will be very sad to see it gone, I hope you find a different spot to continue what you guys do best!"
"I remember being in this place when Ben [Tillman] was literally painting the walls before Owls even opened, with humble plans for a little cafe - and now it's grown into one of the best and most-loved little venues in the whole country," said ex-Mercury journalist Josh Butler.
Sean Burgess said he played a few shows at Rad Bar: "my favourite by far was playing with Polaris, Justice For The Damned and A Death In Prague".
"Really sad to see this venue go, nothing has the same vibe as Rad," Burgess wrote.
Radburn was grateful for strong community support for the venue which has seen many up-and-coming musicians flourish into stellar careers.
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
