Totti’s Rozelle parking, patrons spark resident complains

One of Sydney’s most popular eateries is working to address residents’ complaints about parking, traffic and noisy patrons near their venue – which is one of Sydney’s oldest pubs.

Totti’s is set within the Three Weeds Hotel in Rozelle. Picture: Supplied/Merivale

NIMBYS have kicked up a stink about a popular restaurant in a 143-year-old pub, claiming associated parking demands and traffic are ruining their neighbourhood.

The local council has been dragged in to mediate after Rozelle residents complained about increased traffic and parking pressure near Totti’s, which established its third outpost at the 3 Weeds Rozelle in 2021.

The pub’s neighbours raised concerns about patrons using on-street parking, localised traffic issues while patrons try to park, and noise disruptions – at the venue which has stood on that street corner since 1881.

Residents, Inner West Council representatives and the venue debated the issue at a meeting in August before an approach was formalised at the most recent council meeting.

“The concerns discussed at the on-site meeting (include) concerns as to how Totti’s could have been approved in a residential area, (and) alleged increase in patronage despite a previous development indicating no increase to patronage,” the council agenda reads.

“The Totti’s representative advised that Totti’s wants to be part of the community and desires to work with the residents, especially around compliance, safety, and access to the venue for all.”

Totti’s Rozelle. Picture: Supplied/Merivale

Additional parking restrictions, locals-only discounts and encouraging diners to take public transport are among solutions being mooted to placate disgruntled residents who opted to live near a pub which has been there for 143 years.

Totti’s Rozelle. Picture: Supplied/Merivale

The venue is also 350m from Victoria Rd – notoriously one of Sydney’s busiest arterial roads.

Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne said it was working constructively on a solution with the venue.

“It’s good that we have a high profile and successful venue in the neighbourhood, we need more like that to come to Balmain,” Cr Byrne said.

“It’s also true that the venue could be doing more to manage patrons coming in and out, and the council can review parking arrangements to make it easier for local residents.”

The council has committed to conducting community consultation about extending two hour parking restrictions until 10pm in five streets around the pub, and increased parking enforcement to ensure “adequate turnover of nonresident parking”.

Totti’s Rozelle. Picture: Supplied/Merivale

For their part, Totti’s have briefed staff about not parking near the hotel, increased security hours to assist with patrons arriving and leaving, and encouraged group bookings to use mass transport.

The council acknowledged there has been additional pressure on parking while a power supply is installed for the construction and operation of the Western Harbour Tunnel’s second stage.

Merivale kingpin Justin Hemmes bought the 3 Weeds in early 2019 for an unspecified figure, before adding Totti’s to the venue in late 2021.

Merivale general manager Frank Roberts said the pub was a “real Rozelle landmark”.

“The 3 Weeds has been a significant part of the local community for more than 140 years,” Mr Roberts said.

“It was a labour of love to bring her back to life and continue that tradition as a beautiful, family friendly venue.”

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Originally published as Totti’s Rozelle parking, patrons spark resident complains