Plans lodged for alfresco dining deck at Foreshore Cafe

Plans have been lodged for an expansion to one of Darwin’s most popular cafes

BREEZY new plans for an expansion to a popular seafront cafe have been lodged with the NT government.

The Foreshore Cafe at Nightcliff has proposed adding a new alfresco dining area on the lawn directly in front of the existing premises.

The new deck would face out on the Nightcliff Foreshore’s popular ocean views, with residents shielded from the Top End’s blistering elements by “shaded sails”.

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“The proposed dining deck would allow the facility to host outdoor entertainment,” the development application said.

The Foreshore Cafe has held live music performances in recent times.

The application said the new dining deck was being proposed because the existing seating in that location is located on grass and wherefore requires “continual maintenance … to ensure the grass grows constantly”.

A render of the expanded Foreshore Cafe. Picture: Hames Sharley

“Having a dedicated dining deck will reduce the amount of landscaping maintenance required in the area,” it said.

The application does not state how many more patrons the deck will seat, and won’t include any addition car parks.

The original Foreshore Cafe development was approved in 2015 with 37 car parks, despite it only needing 12 spaces to be compliant under planning regulations.

The application also argued the works should be approved because it would provide greater separation between the cafe and the nearby path.

Floorplans showed the existing building remaining very much as it currently is, but with some plants and footpaths being removed.

The development will be exhibited on the NT Planning website until May 21.