Prince of Wales Hotel owners want to turn basement carpark into function space
A gloomy basement carpark in St Kilda could become Melbourne’s hottest party spot, with plans to turn it into a massive function space. Details of the proposal to Port Phillip Council can now be revealed.
Inner South
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A basement carpark may become St Kilda’s trendiest spot if given the green light by Port Phillip Council.
The Prince of Wales Hotel is seeking an amendment to its existing liquor licence to include its basement carpark as a stand-alone function space.
A popular Acland St venue, The Prince has projected the basement would hold up to 700 people.
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It would only be allowed to be booked up to 12 times a year and partygoers would have access to the venue between noon and 11pm the day it was hired.
As of January 23, the council has received three objections to the application.
Concerns have been raised about carparking shortages and the potential for the space to become a nightclub.
The application lodged by the Melbourne Pub Group Pty Ltd states that the basement venue would not be allowed to be used when the 740-patron bandroom was operating.
Victoria Police say they will consider any variation to the liquor licence in line with current requirements of the Liquor Control Reform Act.
Superintendent Jason Kelly said any impact to the area’s amenity would also be considered.
“Victoria Police will make an assessment of any application lodged including making appropriate inquiries and reviewing previous incidents at the venue,” he said.
The Prince of Wales Hotel general manager Reg Lodewyke said if the liquor license is approved, the Prince intend to move key music events from the Prince Deck and Prince Public Bar into the basement.
“This will mitigate the disturbance experienced by our neighbours while at the same time maintaining our commitment to live music which is an intrinsic part of our heritage,” he said.
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