Retreat Rd post office to be transformed into restaurant after wine bar backlash

Controversial plans to turn an old Newtown post office into a wine bar have been revised by the developer. See the new proposal.

Revised concept image for restaurant plans at 9 Retreat Rd in Newtown. Picture: Hamilton Group

A controversial suburban wine bar plan has been changed to a restaurant after Newtown residents lashed out at the original proposal.

The Hamilton Group have submitted revised plans for the former post office at 9 Retreat Rd to council after the community backlash.

Objectors raised concerns about increases to traffic and parking, labelling the plans “ridiculous”.

Hamilton Group manager director Cam Hamilton said the objections were taken into account when revisiting the plans.

“We have tried to come up with something that addresses those concerns while doing something we believe will be a good thing for the area,” he said.

“Our research indicated a lot of wine bars are serving food anyway and we thought a restaurant could be a great thing.

“I think people are scared of change … I honestly believe those against it will actually love it once it’s up and going.”

Hamilton Group is seeking approval for a liquor license, partial demolition, alterations to the existing building and business signage.

The venue would accommodate 50 people, instead of 120 initially proposed, and would operate seven days a week.

A solo acoustic musician would play inside the restaurant, with the doors closed, and would stop performing at 8pm.

“We are not trying to create a pub or a nightclub, we are trying to create something that will benefit the surrounding community,” Mr Hamilton said.

The plans include an two indoor dining areas, two outdoor courtyards and a private room.

The main entrance fronts Retreat Rd with disabled access via Pleasant St.

Planning documents stated: “The reality of using the land for a restaurant is that patrons will generally have access to alcohol during a seated meal, with the dining experience being the priority, not alcohol consumption.”

There will be two parking spaces on site with Hamilton Group seeking a waiver of eight spaces.

Mr Hamilton said he was keen to return the old post office to its “former glory”.

“We don’t want to sit and wait for these arguments to be had, we want to go ahead and start improving the asset,” he said.

The plans are currently on public exhibition with a decision not expected to be made before September 9.

Originally published as Retreat Rd post office to be transformed into restaurant after wine bar backlash