Source: Smh.com.au.
AUSTRALIA – SIDNEY -A deconsecrated church once used for “wild parties” organised by notorious Sydney dominatrix Gretel Pinniger will be turned into an entertainment venue, co-working space and cafe/bar under plans approved by the City of Sydney.
A 26-room boarding house will also be built behind The Kirk on Cleveland Street in Surry Hills “designed with the motif of a dragon in mind”, according to planning documents, to symbolise new life brought to the historic church building.
A local planning panel last week approved Ms Pinniger’s $5.6 million plans to redevelop The Kirk – despite objections from some residents concerned about the overshadowing, noise, privacy and parking.
Ms Pinniger said she hoped The Kirk would once again be a venue for musicians and artists where “we can have all the fun we used to have”.
Ms Pinniger is best known for her outrageous alter-ego Madam Lash, but she also dressed up as the Virgin Mary to become the Immaculate Lash. The reality, she said, was “I’m a bit of a recluse”.
“I’ve led a fortunate life, and I’d really like to share it,” she said. “I’d like to be remembered for the girl I really was. I’m an art lover by my own definition.”
Ms Pinniger said she had fond memories of “totally wild parties” at The Kirk, which was used as a gallery and concert space from the early 1970s until she purchased the gothic-style building in 1986, using it for burlesque shows and sex parties.
AC/DC’s Let There Be Rock was filmed inside the church in 1977, with Bon Scott standing in the pulpit.
