Newcastle is lacking in a diversity of entertainment options in the city.
Recently there have been pleas for more small bars to provide an alternative to large venues. Many in the community would prefer to drink in a safe, small, quieter environment rather than the current popular nightspots. Cities such as Melbourne are cited as models for this sort of entertainment.
But operating hours and density of licensed venues in the inner city are major identified contributors to alcohol related crime. Hence opportunities for creating diverse entertainment options such as small bars are unlikely to be approved in the current climate.
At the New Institute’s next public forum a panel discussion will be held to discuss options for Reinventing Newcastle night Life. The panel will include Associate Professor John Wiggers, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Local Area Commander John Gralton (NSW Police), Rod Smith (Chair Renew Newcastle), Matt Endacott (Campaign Organiser), and Will Creedon (Rustica Restaurant)
The panel will explore the data on alcohol related crime and the effectiveness of regulations. Views will be presented about providing a diverse range of options for all sectors of the community not just those groups who prefer to spend time at large, late night venues.
This meeting will be of interest to anyone concerned about appropriate development of the Hunter Region. All Welcome!
THIS FORUM IS OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
VENUE: Hunter Room, Newcastle City Hall
DATE: Tuesday 12th June 2012
TIME: 7.00 till 8.30pm ADMISSION: $5 Donation
FURTHER DETAILS: www.newinstitute.org.au or Angie at 0422401129
IF YOU'D LIKE TO ASK A QUESTION IN ADVANCE, PLEASE CLICK THE 'COMMENTS' LINK.
How many people are in city between 12 midnight and 1am on a Saturday? Not just in the pubs and clubs, but on the street, on transport, in cafes and in fast food outlets.
How many venues are actually operating at 1am on a Saturday? Is there enough variety in the entertainment that is being provided by those venues?
Is public transport sufficient to get these people home?
How many taxis are operating in the inner city area after 12am?
How many Police are working in the inner city between 12 and 1am on a Saturday?
I am from the happy herb shop
in Newcastle east
we have 45 shops
been operating 18 years
I have had our shop open late into the night
and seen it flourish when other businesses are open at the same time
as a business that opens late into the night I ask my clients and those that walk past what would they like to see
many state they would like somewhere to sit eat and be merry
whether that be piano bars
coffee shops
art galleries
it does not overly matter
the common denominator is that people are actively looking for something to do that they can enjoy
people are walking arm in arm
I do not see the masses walking around looking for violence
the old expression is if you build it they will come
I believe the people are already here willing and wanting us to step up and give them the places to enjoy
A lot of talk tonight about the need for the community to decide what they want and to develop a plan for Newcastle, yet no mention of the Newcastle 2030 Strategic plan that had 1500 submissions from the community. http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about_newcastle/Newcastle2030
Was this omission intentional or are people not aware of this document? There has also been a lot of great work done around the idea of developing precincts and revitalising Hunter St,
http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about_newcastle/city_revitalisation/city_changes_now
Wouldn’t it be better to use these documents as a starting point to build upon rather than starting back at square one?
Sadly I missed the meeting last week. I would be very interested in the outcome. Please advise. Many thanks.
Interesting collection of ‘pro’ small bar views from Wayne Mullen – (via Twitter)
http://viewfromkingstreet.tumblr.com/post/25145854798/why-small-bars-would-be-a-great-addition-to-newy
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