Iris Capital's St Ives Tavern plan ignites community pushback over gaming machines
A development application lodged by hospitality billionaire Sam Arnaout's Iris Capital for a new tavern in Sydney's north shore suburb of St Ives has sparked significant community opposition, with residents, local MPs, and community groups mobilising against the inclusion of up to 30 gaming machines at the proposed venue.
Arnaout, Iris Capital’s CEO, owns more than 30 NSW pubs, is in the process of acquiring the St Ives Village Shopping Centre and 12 surrounding retail properties for approximately $450 million. The tavern DA, lodged with Ku-ring-gai Council, forms part of a broader precinct redevelopment that also encompasses a seven-screen cinema, an outdoor dining area, and a 200sqm gaming floor with trading hours extending to 2am.
A community Facebook group opposing the machines has attracted hundreds of followers, while independent federal MP for Bradfield Nicolette Boele told parliament she had received representations from more than 80 constituents on the issue. An in-house social media survey by her office indicated that 94 per cent of locals were against pokies at the site. State Liberal MP Matt Cross has launched a formal petition and moved a motion in the NSW Parliament recognising the strength of local sentiment against any expansion of gaming in the area.
Residents argue the venue's proximity to a family-oriented shopping precinct makes the inclusion of gaming machines socially inappropriate, with concerns raised about financial stress, family harm, and a potential shift in the suburb's character.
Iris Capital maintains the proposal aligns with Ku-ring-gai Council's stated ambitions to develop the area's night-time economy. Spokesman Warwick Bowyer said any licensing and gaming approvals would ultimately sit with the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority, which would conduct its own community consultation process.
Jonathan Jackson, 25th February 2026
