Planning objections delay reopening of Hotel Esplanade, St Kilda
ESPY regulars will need to find another watering hole this summer, with the iconic pub remaining shut indefinitely following a storm of objections to proposed works, including a rooftop deck.
The popular live music venue closed on May 17 for extensive renovations, and managers then said they planned to reopen by summer.
But with a long wait to get a permit for external works now ahead, reopening is likely to be months away.
Port Phillip Council confirmed on November 4 it had 26 objections from nearby residents worried about a proposed 145 sq m rooftop terrace.
The renovation plans for the heritage-protected hotel include partial demolition and alterations to the building, fixed street-level canopies and the new deck and retractable terrace on the first floor.
The hotel owners have a planning permit for internal renovations only, and now face a lengthy wait for an external permit, with the matter not going before the council’s statutory planning committee until next month.
RELATED:St Kilda’s Esplanade Hotel to close for renovations
Mayor Amanda Stevens said while the committee would either approve or refuse the owners’ application, that decision could then be appealed by either party at VCAT.
Pollington St resident Viviane Burnett’s objection was based on her concerns about noise and increased drunken behaviour.
She said the Espy owners’ planning permit should include strict rules around the use of the rooftop terrace, including a ban on loud music and an 11pm cut off.
“At the moment we don’t hear anything because it is very well insulated,” Ms Burnett said.
“But sound reverberates from higher storeys.”
“They want a 145 sq m terrace for 200 patrons; I think it needs some controls.”
Having lived in her St Kilda home for 28 years, Ms Burnett said she understood music and night-life were part of the St Kilda scene. “It’s a consequence of living in a fantastic spot,” she said.
‘I love St Kilda, I want it to be sustainable.”
“I think (the Espy is) a great establishment and that’s a reason for objecting — to keep it going, not just for the short term.”
The St Kilda Live Music group said it supported the rooftop plan, but stipulated soundproofing was essential and hoped the proposed plan would not affect the Espy’s capacity to host live music.
Espy owners did not respond to Leader’s requests for comment.