Town approves a tasteful enterprise

Councillors gave it the green light at last week’s council meeting.

They scrapped the officer recommendation, which included a clause of 24 parking bays, showers and waste disposal provisions, after the public showed support for deputations presented by applicants Steve Fletcher and Stuart Ridgway, and neighbouring resident Heather Erceg.

Mrs Erceg’s house is behind the proposed small bar.

She said she preferred the original proposal of a function room, because of her concerns about noise issues. But she could not understand why the venue would need 24 bays.

‘There are plenty of car parking options in the area,’ she said.

‘If you visit areas like Maylands, Leederville and the city, none of those actually have car bays.’

Mr Ridgway said a couple of the clauses came late and agreed with Mrs Erceg, identifying plenty of parking in the Town.

‘The proposition of 24 car parking bays is ludicrous, it’s twice the size of the business,’ he said.

‘There’s never been a horrendous parking situation at the site.

‘And our aim is not to open a bar and have people drinking.

‘Our aim is to have a community-orientated place and there is nothing like this here.’

The duo hopes to host book clubs and hold wine, spirit and food appreciation nights.

It will also hold game nights in the function area.

‘We see this area as a community area where we are inviting certain groups along,’ Mr Ridgway said. ‘It’s not a party area.’

Mr Fletcher said the proposed bar was for patrons 25 years and over. It would cater for the more mature palate.

‘This will be a place for people to relax in a cosy front room atmosphere while having a wine, craft beer, cider, soft drink or coffee,’ he said.

‘Snacks and light meals will be available.

‘On occasions there will be entertainment in the form of acoustic guitar, singer and poetry.’

Cork and Bottle will seat an average of 50 to 60 patrons at peak times.