Police Association Victoria fights to extend function centre’s operating hours
Victoria’s police union is attempting to extend the operating hours and capacity limit of their newly built function centre in East Melbourne, leaving residents concerned that their “peaceful” neighbourhood will be disturbed.
As part of the redevelopment of The Police Association Victoria’s new headquarters at 70-73 Jolimont St, a palatial rooftop entertaining space boasting an indoor bar, terrace, and barbecue area was built on level 5.
However, the Police Association Victoria’s most recent planning permit application, which would see the operating hours and capacity increased, was rejected by the City of Melbourne in December 2024, and the association is appealing the decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
If the appeal is successful, the operating hours of the premises would extend to 1am indoors and 11pm outdoors on Friday and Saturday nights, and up to 320 people would be able to use the space.
However, East Melbourne Group (EMG) president Greg Bisinella told Inner City News that neighbouring residents were “extremely concerned” by the proposal, with the associated noise and traffic disturbing residents in the immediate vicinity of the venue.
Due to the top floor being open to the neighbourhood, Mr Bisinella said it would be very difficult to prevent “noise spillover”.
Mr Bisinella and fellow East Melbourne residents are no strangers to pushing back against planning permits they believe will have an “undesirable” effect on the community.
As reported by Inner City News in 2023, the EMG successfully stymied a developer’s plan to redevelop Magnolia Court, a former bed and breakfast venue at 95-101 Powlett St.
The developer sought to turn the premises into a residential hotel and restaurant that could cater to up to 88 patrons.
However, in January of 2023 following a six-day VCAT hearing the year prior, the permit applicant, Powlett St Land Company Pty Ltd, was granted a new permit that reduced the number of patrons and they were limited to being hotel guests.
For the police entertainment space, Mr Bisinella would like to find a middle ground that allows the Police Association Victoria to use its space while not disturbing the residents. He would like to see the capacity decreased and conditions placed on when and who can use the venue.
“There is genuine concern that anything intended for functions will be difficult to manage,” he said. “But I think that we are realistic and understand they are entitled to have something.”
“If the number was closer to 100 and the time was closer to 10 o’clock, it would be acceptable,” he said.
Inner City News contacted the Police Association Victoria for comment.
Originally founded in 1917, the association has grown considerably over its 100-year lifespan, with a current membership of 18,000, including sworn police officers at any rank, Protective Services Officers (PSOs), police reservists, and police recruits who serve in Victoria Police.
According to the Police Association Victoria’s website, “the new building offers countless benefits for members” including an exclusive members’ lounge, a commemorative memorial and new and expansive training facilities. •

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