Plans for Mackay karaoke and whiskey bar submitted

A new karaoke and whiskey bar planned for the Mackay CBD will let you unleash your inner rock star. Take a look inside the exclusive new venue.

An abandoned CBD venue will transform into a whiskey and karaoke bar enlivening the Mackay city heart.

Suave plans have been submitted for Hibiki Bar and Karaoke at the former Rice Buffet site on Gregory St including a restaurant that will serve tapas, a whiskey bar and private lounges.

Concept plans show an intimate fit-out and a cleaned-up facade facing opposite Fifth Lane in what urban planners say is an extension of the council’s plan to revive and enliven the CBD.

The development application states the Hibiki Bar and Karaoke would transform the vacant building beside Gina T Hair.

Plans, which do not require a period of public notification, were submitted earlier this month.

The council was expected to assess the application in 2022.

The material change of use application relates to extending the current designation for the site from a food and drink venue to a licensed venue able to serve alcohol and operate after hours.

Documents state Hibiki Bar and Karaoke would complement the council’s move to increase and improve liveability in the city.

You can unleash your inner rock star in one of the private karaoke lounges at Hibiki Bar and Karaoke. Picture: Supplied

“The tourism sector is largely regarded as a growing and essential component of the Mackay economy,” plans state.

“In 2020, Mackay Regional Council released the Mackay Regional Economic Development Strategy 2020-2025.

“The strategy acknowledges that tourism extends far beyond simply capitalising on the region’s natural assets, rather it is about creating a sense of place.

An intimate yet open whiskey bar and lounge concept is included in the plans. Picture: Supplied

“This is particularly relevant to he Mackay City Centre, where there are excellent opportunities for a flouring arts, culture and night-life scene.

Concept designs and plans include a reception and branding for Hibiki Bar and Karaoke. Picture: Supplied

“The Fifth Lane Art project (located directly opposite to the subject site) is an excellent example of council’s growing investment in Mackay’s public spaces.

The hallway that will take patrons to the private lounges at the planned Hibiki Bar and Karaoke. Picture: Supplied

“Fifth Lane provides an immersive street art experience and is a popular photo location for locals on a night out on the town.

“It is also a key thoroughfare, providing a well-lit, safe walkway for the public to travel between popular restaurants, bars and businesses.

“The proposal presents a development exhibiting high quality external finishes with a height, form and scale consistent with the immediate streetscape and intent of the principal centre zone.”

Submitted documents state developers would renovate the front of the building, as well as an extensive internal fit-out, but existing carparking provisions would cater for expected night crowds while also meeting the building’s floor area.