What do people think about the new Cafe/Restaurant/Bar proposed for the shed adjacent to the children's playground in Eastern Sydney’s Queens Park?

On August 27th 2012, The Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust (CPMPT) applied for a Full Liquor Licence for a Restaurant and Catering Service to be located in the refurbished shed.

It will have up to 100 people with “entertainment supplied” and proposed trading hours of 7:00am till Midnight Mon to Sat and 10:00am till 10:00pm Sundays and preferential use of the grassed area surrounding the cafe.

There’s no mention of a 50 space car park which would be needed!

WE DO NOT NEED THIS IN QUEENS PARK!

What the new Cafe WAS INTENDED to be:

If you visit the CPMPT website where this project is advertised, you will see that “Although planning is currently being progressed, the intent is to have a facility similar to the Rushcutters Bay café/kiosk.” [Which is only open until 4/5pm and not licensed]

What is OFFERED to Potential Cafe Operators in the EOI:

•       Total floor area of premises is 132m2, with an additional proposed decking area of 50m2

•       Selected proponent to fit out the cafe/restaurant area, install fixtures and fittings, outdoor seating and kitchen equipment

•       A liquor licence is permitted, to be obtained by the licensee, if one is not already available

•       Designated licensed grassed area adjacent to the premises available for functions and events

•       No existing goodwill. Premises currently used for storage

•       Preferential use of premises and immediate surrounding area

I think the intent stated above, a daytime cafe, as proposed by the Centennial Park Trust is what we need, not a late night (noisy) function centre which would require substantial evening car parking in a very overcrowded residential area.

I'm all for a cafe open early in the morning and all day long serving great coffee and healthy delicious food, but don't think a Liquor Licence, with “entertainment & catered events for 100 people” until midnight is appropriate for a residential, sporting and family focussed location... Its impossible enough to park around Darley Road on weekends without a wedding in the mix, plus every evening the parking spaces in the area are full by around 6pm.

The location of an “after dark” restaurant adjacent to a popular fenced children’s playground, I believe would enable parents to let their children play (in the dark park!) unattended in the evenings. This could be hazardous for the kids.

Furthermore, I worry about the noise created by weddings, events & parties with DJs or bands and the serving alcohol until 12.00 midnight and possible antisocial behaviour late at night when the parties end and people are waiting for taxis or getting back to their cars dispersed throughout the neighbourhood.

So PLEASE sign this petition to OBJECT to the Late Night Liquor Licence for the Queens Park Pavillion Cafe.

Plus SHARE on Facebook & leave a comment if you are happy to support the Local residents who like to find a parking space and sleep in (relative) peace and quiet at night AND look forward to supporting the new enterprise all day long!

I will compile this into a submission to the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority before the due date on 12 October 2012.

You are invited to come and discuss the issue at Randwick Precinct Council Meeting

7.30pm Wed 12th September 2012... Packed and out the door!
In the Randwick Room, Council Administration Building, 30 Frances Street, Randwick. (NOT THE RANDWICK INSTITUTE)
Contact: Kathy Neilson
Phone: 0415 253 768
PO Box 1331, Randwick NSW 2031
Email: randwickprecinct@gmail.com

Below are copies of the relevant correspondence and links to the websites mentioned.

http://www.centennialparklands.com.au/business/tenders_and_eois/queens_park_pavilion_cafe

http://www.closeencounters.com.au/QPP

http://www.centennialparklands.com.au/connections/community_consultative_committee

Full details about the Liquor Licence Application process and a opportunity to view and comment on details of this application is available on the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing website: http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/application_noticeboard.asp or by phoning (02) 9995 0333

For immediate impact, email directly to liquorapplications@olgr.nsw.gov.au

Quote the application number: APP-000214231 for proposed Queens Park Café Pavilion by the Centennial Parklands – we have to respond before 12/10/2012

A Facebook page for information and comments has been set up - please post & SHARE:

http://www.facebook.com/NoQueensParkPavilion

Click Here to see photos and letters & Documents

1.      Map of location of Proposed Cafe

2.      Plan for Cafe with Bar inserted into its loaction in the Park

3.      Letter from Kate Ellis from CP&MPTrust

4.      Liquor Licence Application

5.      Protest Notices from other outraged residents

6.      Excerpts from The Queens Park Master Plan 2005

7.      $4.9 million funding from NSW Government for Sporting Amenities

8.      Alcohol & Playgrounds - HUH?

Thank you for signing this Petition to keep Alcohol out of Queens Park

Merissa Brady    Contact the author of the petition