One man fights back over Hemmes’ 24/7 entertainment plan

A lone unit owner is among residents banding together against plans for a new night-life spot in the middle of Sydney city.

The last remaining unit owner of a building in Sydney CBD is fighting to block a new 24/7 hospitality mega precinct proposed by pub tsar Justin Hemmes’ company.

Plans for the Kings Green project, lodged by Merivale, span five buildings on Clarence, King and York streets and include an underground nightclub, rooftop bar, a hotel, gym, offices and several dining options intended to operate day and night.

The site already includes Hotel CBD, a mutli-storey pub which was Merivale’s first major hospitality redevelopment in 1995.

The Kings Green proposal in Sydney’s CBD. Picture: Supplied

But a band of residents living in or near the Merivale-owned buildings have written to the City of Sydney Council demanding the bid be knocked on the head.

Jerry Chen – who owns the only unit in the 104-118 Clarence St property not possessed by Merivale – wrote in a submission to the council that he and his neighbours had not provided their consent for the plans.

“There is currently no intention for our lots to be sold to Merivale or to provide the consent required for the proposal to proceed, contrary to any representation by the applicant to suggest otherwise,” he wrote.

It is understood the development application submitted by Merivale carved out lots it did not own, such as Mr Chen’s apartment and common areas.

Apartment owner Jerry Chen is among those opposing the project. Picture: Instagram

In his letter to council, Mr Chen said if allowed to remain the residents of Clarence House should not be subjected to the noise and disruption of a nightclub and hotel precinct.

“We have been speaking to neighbouring residents who have raised similar concerns to the above, in particular the concerns of being forced out of their current homes and adverse impact on residential amenity of having a 24/7 bar operating in the building,” he wrote.

The proposed development is located in the YCK (York, Clarence and Kent streets) “purple flag” precinct, which is administered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.

A spokesperson for Merivale said it undertook a “comprehensive consultation process, including correspondence and briefings, with thousands of surrounding residents and business owners”.

“It was a completely positive process with wonderful support received from residents and businesses alike,” they added.

Justin Hemmes said the project was part of a new era for Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

Thousands of notices were issued to all residents and businesses within 100m of the project site before the plans were lodged with council.

In its concept development application lodged with the council in November, Merivale argued its plans celebrated the fabric of the five buildings and allowed them to be used by the wider community.

“It will facilitate the provision of high quality contemporary food and beverage premises, hotel accommodation and office space that responds to the evolving nature of the Sydney CBD,” its submission states.

“It will contribute to Sydney’s 24-hour economy and provide a vibrant social destination for workers, visitors and residents within a highly accessible location.”

Merivale – the billion-dollar company which runs famous venues like Totti’s and The Ivy – said it made a “significant contribution to Sydney’s social fabric, employment and tourism”.

“This Concept DA represents Merivale’s commitment to the ongoing vibrancy of Sydney CBD. It seeks to establish the parameters for a new world-class hospitality precinct,” it wrote.

The buildings which would make up the precinct. Picture: Supplied

Mr Hemmes said in a statement announcing the Kings Green project that it was the result of “many years’ worth of planning and investment” and part of “a new and exciting era for hospitality and entertainment” in Sydney.

“We are setting out on a mission to transform the separate spaces of these incredible buildings into a combined, licenced precinct that will facilitate quality and accessible entertainment, food, beverage and accommodation options,” he said.

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich welcomed the project as one that “will wake-up and activate this part of the city”, while Sydney Business Chamber executive director Paul Nicolaou said it was “exactly the confidence building big thinking that our wonderful city needs”.

An artist’s impression of how the precinct could be laid out. Picture: Supplied

In a letter to the council last month, an unnamed Clarence House resident argued having a nightclub running “next to our home” could bring “anti-social behaviour and increase violence and crime rates that is associated with the expanded bar precinct that is being planned”.

“We also do not want to be moved out of the building as the location is very convenient for work and commuting,” they wrote.

“If we are forced out of our home we will be priced out and will have a very hard time finding alternative accommodation that suits our needs.

“We don’t think it is fair for us to move and the proposal should not be approved.”

More than one objector also raised what they charged as Merivale’s “history of noncompliance” with regulations, with a submission under the banner of Clarence House attaching news reports of recent investigations into the hospitality empire’s culture.

Merivale said in October it “categorically rejects” allegations of a toxic environment, after a former staffer told the Sydney Morning Herald The Ivy’s penthouse was “one step away from a brothel”.

The company appointed barrister Kate Eastman SC “to receive any further information from anyone on these allegations to enable her to conduct an independent investigation of any complaints made to her”.

The Kings Green proposal will go before the City of Sydney’s planning panels this year.

Originally published as One man fights back over Hemmes’ 24/7 entertainment plan