Residents ramp up efforts to stop the Police Association’s “unreasonable” proposal

Residents of East Melbourne have stepped up their campaign to stop the Victorian Police Association from securing a planning permit that would see the operating hours extended for their newly-constructed rooftop bar on Jolimont St.

The planning permit application, which was rejected by the City of Melbourne in December last year, would have allowed the premises to operate until 2am indoors and 11pm outdoors on Friday and Saturday nights, with a capacity of 320 people using the space.

However, members of the East Melbourne Group (EMG) are preparing to object to the Victorian Police Association’s decision to appeal the rejection of the permit bid at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in April this year.

The Police Association has recently moved into its redeveloped headquarters at 70-73 Jolimont St, but its appeal would need to be successful for the union to maximise the use of its new rooftop entertaining space, which features an indoor bar, terrace, and barbecue area on level five.

EMG president Greg Bisinella told Inner City News that while residents were concerned about the proposal, they were open to reaching a compromise that was reasonable and respectful of neighbouring residents.

However, while the future of the site’s operating hours remains uncertain, Mr Bisinella and concerned residents, who recently discussed the issue with Lord Mayor Nick Reece at the EMG’s AGM on March 17, will continue to push for more reasonable operating hours.

Given the number of residential dwellings in the area and the limited number of venues permitted to operate late into the night, Mr Bisinella believes the proposal is not in line with the current standards in East Melbourne.

Dr Cameron Lewis, a resident who lives close to the MCG, believes the proposal is “unethical.”

“All venues in our area, which is predominantly residential, must cease operations at 11 pm due to noise and residential disturbance,” he told Inner City News.

“For the Police Association to secure approval for a venue operating until 2am is out of line with the current standards.”

Dr Lewis said he would support a venue operation that respects residential standards and closes at 11pm. •