Another floating bar, Yarra Botanicals, coming to Melbourne - but not just yet
Arbory Afloat has been a hotspot for Melburnians, proving so popular the city is getting another floating bar. Here’s when the new two-storey watering hole will pop up.
VIC News
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Another floating bar on the Yarra is coming to Melbourne but not until next year.
Yarra Botanicals had been planned to open as early as this spring on Southbank but COVID-19 restrictions as well as some planning problems has pushed the project back 12 months.
The plans for the $2.3 million two-storey structure on a pontoon near Sandridge Bridge were revealed by the Herald Sun last year.
New photos show the scale of the rivertop bar capable of accommodating up to 800 patrons.
But the planning application with the city council have been shelved for now. Australian Venue Co chief executive Paul Waterson said he hoped that once the plans had been revised and approved, Yarra Botanicals could open by September next year.
Coronavirus restrictions on the number of patrons meant it was not viable to aim for an opening this year.
“It’s disappointing that you can’t get the density on the pontoon to make it profitable,’’ Mr Waterson said.
It’s expected the revised application will be for a restaurant/cafe with a drinks licence to 1am. And Parks Victoria is likely to grant a three-year lease from September 2021.
The announcement comes as Arbory Afloat, the pontoon bar next to Arbory on the north bank near Flinders St station, has been confirmed as return for the fifth year in September.
Arbory marketing and events manager Daniel Manly said the aim was to open in spring, depending on health advice, with a new concept after having a Miami-theme swimming deck last summer.
The riverside moves come after Parks Victoria last year called for ideas to activate the Yarra which has also led to new infrastructure such as jetties, and even dog-friendly picnic boats.
Arbory management also has plans to transform Flinders St station into entertainment hub, the proposal for which has been put hold while the company deals with COVID.
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