‘This could be the pub everyone’s been waiting for’: Prospect councillor wants tram barn turned into licensed premise
A PROSPECT councillor wants to offer up the State Heritage-listed tram barn on Main North Rd for a new pub. He says it’s just what the dry suburb needs.
A PROSPECT councillor wants to offer up the State Heritage-listed tram barn on Main North Rd for a new pub.
Councillor Mark Standen told the City North Messenger last week the tram barn site could become the best pub in Adelaide’s inner-north, if it is given a decent chance to shine.
The former tram barn, which is currently a council depot, has been the centre of debate following the council’s decision to build a new library at the Prospect Rd Civic Centre.
The council had considered both sites but is now considering selling the tram barn to fund some of the $12.7 million library at the Civic Centre.
Cr Standen envisioned the council would retain ownership of the barn building and sell, or lease, the remaining land to an entity willing to build a licensed venue.
“It can be the pub everyone is waiting for, if it’s done right,” Cr Standen said.
“A pub would encourage businesses to relocate on Main North Rd.
“A central venue would just liven the whole area up.”
There are two pubs along Main North Rd between Regency Rd and Nottage Tce — The Northern Tavern and Windmill Hotel.
Cr Standen, who voted last month for the new library to be built at the tram barn site, said despite the council’s decision, he still wanted to see the land used.
“I dearly would have loved a library there,” he said.
“But rather than sulk about it, let’s take control of the site.
“There is a huge demand not to lose the tram barn.”
Prospect resident Grace Fitzpatrick applauded Cr Standen’s idea.
“The first thing we need to focus on is the Tram Barn site not being sold,” she said.
“We also need to consider better community consultation, to see what the residents want.
“Good on Cr Standen for being passionate about the site.”
Significant public backlash prompted Deputy Mayor Mark Groote to ask council staff to investigate different funding options for the new library, the findings of which are due back to the council next month.