MMJ Wollongong’s Town Planning department were excited to assist The Illawarra Hotel in arranging their second NYE Block Party!
Natalie Allan led the way for The Illawarra Hotel in submitting an application with Wollongong City Council to close a section of Market Street outside the venue for a NYE event through to 2026.
That proposal was passed onto the Wollongong Local Planning Panel for a decision because council is effectively the land owner of Market Street. The planning panel unanimously approved the hotel's plan for the next five years.
For New Year's Eve last year, the hotel blocked off a section of Market Street between Keira Street and Keira Lane.
"A review of council records and consultation with council's regulation and enforcement [team] indicates that no complaints were received regarding this event," planning panel documents stated.
While there was no development consent granted for the closure, it did receive approval from council under the Roads Act and it was approved by the council's traffic committee. Also, a risk assessment undertaken before the event determined it could proceed without development consent. However, with plans for a similar block party-style event for the next five years, development consent was required.
According to planning panel documents, Market Street would close at 6am on December 31 to allow for the setting up of stages, marquees and food trucks. The site would be dismantled from 6am on January 1, with Market Street re-opened to traffic at noon. During the road closure, traffic that would normally use Market Street will be detoured along Victoria and Young streets.
The planning documents also noted the effects of noise on neighbouring premises would not be excessive.
The whole team are all looking forward to a great event at The Illawarra Hotel and excited for the food from His Boy Elroy !
Read more here: