John Ibrahim weighs in on Kings Cross in post-lockout era
The man whose name has become synonymous with the Golden Mile has revealed a high-end vision for the infamous glitter strip.
Police & Courts
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A new Kings Cross will rise from the ashes of the lockout laws according to former nightclub tsar, John Ibrahim.
But he also warns that the year-long probation placed on the precinct was stalling investment.
Widely known as the Last King of the Cross, Ibrahim took to social media on the first weekend of the removal of restrictions in the former red light district to comment on it’s future.
“Memories of a Saturday night in Kings Cross — the streets used to roar with excitement and fun,” he posted on Saturday night.
“With anticipation of a good night ahead people flocked to the precinct that seemed to cater for everyone’s appetite.
“You know a good time was had when the clubs closed, leaving thousands of people disappointed it was time to go home in the early hours of the morning.
“I weep for the youth of today, for they do not know what they have missed.”
Ibrahim also posted a photo of the famous Coca Cola sign.
“The future is surprisingly actually looking good but operators are a bit cautious about having the rug pulled from underneath them again and are of the common opinion of wait-and-see what happens in the next 12 month probationary period,” he wrote on Facebook.
Ibrahim, like many business owners in the area also believes the injecting room needs to be moved from the main drag of what used to be called the Golden Mile.
“I can imagine Macleay Street wrapping all the way around the Bayswater Road with high-end restaurants, cafes and accommodation both residential and commercial,” he said.
“Getting rid of the injecting room centre would be a good start — surely there’s a better more suitable location. Obviously I’m talking five years in the future but I’m sure the Cross will be reborn again.”
The introduction of the lockout laws in 2014 following the one-punch deaths of teenagers Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie saw nightclubs in Kings Cross and Oxford Street decimated.
It also resulted in a massive reduction in serious assaults and other crimes.
The lockout laws were finally lifted for all of NSW last year except for Kings Cross, until last weekend.
“It would’ve been nice to keep some of the characters it once had, not all of it was bad. A little bit naughty is nice,” he said.
Police said the easing of the restrictions last weekend — which meant patrons could moved between venues after 1.30am, have shots and extended last drinks to 3.30am — had not seen any immediate lift in crime but would still be monitored.
“While this is the first full weekend since the lockout laws have been lifted, it may be some time before we see the impact on the community,” Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing, Central Metropolitan Region Commander said yesterday.
“Police will continue to work closely with government and partner agencies, local councils, liquor accords and business to ensure community safety, and will monitor the impact the legislative changes may have,” he added.
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