Darwin Esplanade high-rise, rooftop bars and restaurants a great idea but new venues ‘unlikely’ to happen
THE owner of Darwin’s only operating high-rise rooftop lounge says any business looking to follow suit would struggle to get a new venue off the ground
Lifestyle
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THE owner of Darwin’s only operating high-rise rooftop lounge says any business looking to follow suit would have to fork out hundreds of thousands of dollars to get a rooftop venue off the ground.
Ramada Suites Zen Quarter owner Michael Anthony said his rooftop reception area and lounge was popular for people wanting to take in the city and Esplanade view over a quiet drink.
“People just come and sit for hours and look at the view,” he said.
He said his venue was spacious and capped so patrons were never packed in, as would be the case in a bar.
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Mr Anthony said despite the appetite being there, the costs to set up a venue on the top level or roof of a building would add up and posed a deterrent for owners of buildings.
He said a building would have to provide enough lifts for the extra patrons and security, fit-out and body corporate fees to be considered before a rooftop venue on an existing CBD building was set up.
“Most buildings in Darwin would have an inadequate number of lifts to get people up or down,” he said.
While Mr Anthony supports the idea of more rooftop venues in Darwin, he speculated that the costs would be too much for businesses to shoulder.
“I don’t think you’ll find a hotel or building owner rich or game enough to spend the money right now,” he said.
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Another Darwin high-rise rooftop venue is at the Frontier Hotel, which is only open for functions.
CBD-based Charlie’s of Darwin has a rooftop section, as does Smith St Social, both of which are popular among patrons seeking a drink with a view.
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