Phoenix 55: Wollongong brothel seeks to extend operating hours deeper into AM
An Illawarra brothel has submitted plans to vary its opening hours to service early morning clients, while assuring nearby residents the dawn activities would not disturb the neighbourhood.
An Illawarra brothel has submitted plans to vary its opening hours to service early morning clients, while assuring nearby residents the dawn activities would not disturb the neighbourhood.
Phoenix 55 — a brothel and massage parlour at 55 West St, Wollongong — first opened in 2012 and has now lodged a development application with Wollongong City Council to extend its closing time from 12.30am to 3.30am.
Online, the business is described as an “adult entertainment business offering erotic massage” and a “boutique brothel located in the heart of Wollongong”.
The application, submitted by Happy Fortune 168, argues the push into the dawn hours would allow morning customers to access its “lawful” services.
“The modification seeks to extend the current approved trading hours from 10am – 12.30am, to 10am – 3.30am daily,” the statement of environmental effects reads.
“No physical works, building alterations, or changes to the approved use of layout of the premises are proposed.”
The proposal also argues the extended hours would not disturb neighbours.
“There are no immediate neighbours or dwellings nearby, and the surrounding properties mostly consist of commercial or light industrial uses,” the documents state.
“This location ensures minimal potential for disturbance to residents and contributes to maintaining a discreet and compliant operation.
“The risk of disturbance to others is negligible.”
The business also says the longer hours would help support the local economy through “continued employment”.
“It provides flexibility for staff scheduling and meets existing demand for lawful and well-regulated services, without changing the nature or intensity of approved use,” the documents read.
The owners have urged council to sign off on the plan, calling it “minor in nature” and “limited to an extension of trading hours only”.
“It will not result in any adverse environmental, social, or amenity impacts and will maintain full compliance with Wollongong City Council’s planning controls,” the documents read.
Council will determine the proposal at a later date.
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