Illinois Hotel: Bill Young’s pub redevelopment approved

A Sydney court has knocked back a beer garden at an ex-Wallaby international’s Inner West hotel, but the well-known former strip club also got the green light for a big redevelopment, leaving neighbours conflicted.

The beer garden of an ex-Wallaby international’s Inner West hotel got a clip from a Sydney court, but also got the green light for a big redevelopment, which has left neighbours celebrating a “small win, but a great loss”.

The Illinois Hotel, on Parramatta Rd and Arlington St in Five Dock, came under fire in May for light pollution and noise emitting from its pink-lit beer garden, angering neighbours.

The pub is part of Young Hotels group, owned by 56-cap former Wallaby Bill Young.

At the time, the hotel was also fined by the City of Canada Bay Council for breaching development conditions related to the operation of the garden, specifically around the usage of the television screens in its garden.

Last Wednesday, in a conciliatory hearing at the Land and Environment Court of NSW, the hotel was ordered to severely restrict the operations of its beer garden.

The conditions imposed by the court include a maximum of 20 patrons in the beer garden at one time – all of whom must be seated – and that it must close at 8pm.

Additionally, all lighting must be turned off at 8:30pm, the number of television screens is to be reduced from four to three, and no live music can take place in the garden.

Bill Young, owner of the Illinois Hotel in Five Dock. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The Illinois Hotel in Five Dock has had its outdoor area significantly restricted by the Land and Environment Court. Picture: Facebook

However, as part of the conditions, a development application (DA) for a major revamp and enlargement of the pub was approved, which would increase patronage capacity from 300 to 420, as well as an enlarged – but enclosed – beer garden area.

Provisional proposals include a new kitchen, extending the bistro, new function space on the first floor, a new outdoor dining area with a covered shade structure, and a new two-storey addiction for the main entrance, among others.

“Essentially, this is a very small win for a very great loss,” resident Nathan Allen said.

Concept designs of the proposed redevelopment of the Illinois Hotel, Five Dock. Picture: Supplied

Concept designs of the proposed redevelopment of the Illinois Hotel, Five Dock. Picture: Supplied

However, a council spokeswoman said the conditions of the DA, which was approved by the court, would be enforced by council.

“The Illinois Hotel DA was approved by the Land and Environment Court and is subject to conditions, including conditions which seek to mitigate the use of the outdoor dining area through limiting the number of patrons, hours of use, and restrictions around lighting and noise,” she said.

“The City of Canada Bay will enforce all conditions of consent in conjunction with NSW Police and Liquor & Gaming NSW.”

Young Hotels were approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

An example of the light emitting from the Illinois Hotel's screens and garden at night on Arlington St, where this photo was taken. Picture: Alexi Demetriadi

An example of the light emitting from the Illinois Hotel's screens and garden at night on Arlington St, where this photo was taken. Picture: Alexi Demetriadi

Although the conditions on the beer garden were welcomed by Mr Allen and other residents, they fear the impact a larger redevelopment will have on their street.

“I hope there will be a good outcome in relation to this hotel and the street,” Mr Allen said.

“But the problem is parking issues on the street are already woeful and there’s (alleged) damage to property by patrons after leaving the pub, and that’s with the current capacity.”

Mr Allen said he was “extremely disappointed” in the decision.

“In the meantime, they (the pub) won’t be able to have four TV screens, but only three,” he said.

“What real difference is that going to make?”

Young Hotels was yet to respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.

There is no detailed time frame for the commencement of construction of the redevelopment.