‘Red tape’ holds back bar plans for battle Sydney Park Hotel
Reilly Group owner Ray Reilly is digging in his heels and intends to move forward with renovation plans at the Sydney Hotel Park, despite a mountain of red tape that he believes is stifling the city’s hospitality and night-time entertainment scene.
Reilly Group, which operates Balmain’s London Hotel, Cricketers Arms Hotel and Petersham’s White Cockatoo Hotel among others, and the Inner West Council are at loggerheads over a $446,000 proposal that would see the upper level of the historic Newtown venue converted into a bar catering for up to 126 patrons.
Development plans have been stuck in the planning stages for more than two years.
“It’s been a very frustrating process and it’s not easy because every time we’ve had a report completed for the development we’re being asked by the council to put in something else,” Reilly said.
“The amount of red tape is mind-gobbling and it seems like every time you think you’ve done what’s required you’re asked for something else.”
The plans include transforming short term accommodation rooms into a bar with seating areas and billiard tables.
The council claims the change would cause adverse noise and vibration impacts in the community.
“The proposal has not demonstrated that the site is suitable for the development (and is not) in the public interest,” the council’s refusal letter stated.
The Reilly Group has now lodged a formal review of the council’s refusal decision and called the council’s decision “nonsensical”.
“We’re being asked by the council to complete acoustic reports to measure noise impacts to a unit next to the venue even though we’ve had the approval for the use of the rooftop by the council,” Reilly said.
The venue was previously granted council approval for the use of the rooftop level as an outdoor entertainment area.
Objections were also raised concerning late trading hours.
Residents responses were mixed. One resident objected on the grounds that billiard tables lead to trouble.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne does support the plans.
“I have no objection to the Sydney Park expanding its bar space upstairs. We want more venues opening new spaces for entertainment and more night time activity on King St,” he said.
“Having councillors legally removed from development assessment means that sometimes assessors end up refusing applications that have broad support in the community.
“I’ll keep advocating for growing our night time economy and for the viability of our long standing pubs and venues.”
Reilly is hoping to complete paperwork and have council reconsider its position int he coming weeks.
Jonathan Jackson, 28th February 2024
