‘We already have out-of-control crowds at night’: The Sydney home owners fighting a massive wedding venue

2 hours ago 1

A plan to bring the sound of wedding bells to a new skyscraper under construction in Darling Harbour has instead sparked alarm bells among a group of nearby apartment owners amid fears a new the reception centre could leave them unable to sleep or open their windows at night.

Sydney hospitality group Doltone House has lodged a new planning application with the City of Sydney to open a new 1250-person function and wedding centre within a 4200 square metre section of the new Harbourside development currently under construction near Pyrmont Bridge.

Darling Harbour resident Dawn Veloskey who is among locals who aren’t happy about plans by wedding operator Doltone House to open a function centre at the new Harbourside development.

The new indoor centre would add to a growing list of Doltone House venues operating within inner Sydney alongside the Darling Island Wharf, the Sydney Event Centre, Jones Bay Wharf and the recently launched Hay St Market at Paddy’s Markets.

Planning documents show the venue would be able to be used for events including weddings, live music, exhibitions, corporate lunches, and cocktail events with a capacity for 1250 guests.

The release of plans has sparked a flurry of opposition from nearby apartment owners who have written to the City of Sydney Council calling for the plans to be refused due to potential noise impacts, especially as guests leave, antisocial behaviour and traffic congestion on surrounding streets.

Dawn Veloskey, whose apartment faces the Harbourside development, said the prospect of a wedding venue opposite her balcony had taken her by surprise.

A concept image of the new Harbourside development.

“When the [Harbourside tower] was approved there was no suggestion a wedding venue would be included in the development so it’s come as a shock for people,” she said. “[The function centre] will be metres away from our balconies and will have a huge impact on the amenity and enjoyment of our homes.

“I don’t want to be in a position where I’m unable to sleep or having to leave the air conditioning running seven days a week because I can’t open my windows or open by balcony door due to the noise. I like fresh air.

“We already have issues with out-of-control crowds at night with people fighting on the street and have had to call the police on multiple occasions due to some of the outrageous behaviour. Adding another venue is just going to exacerbate those issues.”

A concept image of the new Harbourside development, currently under construction by Mirvac.

Elizabeth Elenius, convenor of the Pyrmont community action group, has also raised concerns over the development which she said should be balanced against the residential amenity of homes within the mixed-used waterfront precinct.

“Rather than another private wedding venue, we would much rather have a space like a restaurant or gallery or other venue that could be used by the whole community to enjoy,” she said.

Plans by Doltone House stated the new function centre was aimed at boosting the “vibrancy” of Darling Harbour and would provide a “positive social and economic” boost for the precinct.

There would also be measures to reduce potential “negative impacts on the neighbourhood” including encouraging wedding guests to keep noise to a minimum when arriving and departing.

The planning documents state “[The venue] will further add a high-quality function centre space in a landmark waterfront development on the edge of Sydney’s CBD, complementing both the city and Doltone House’s portfolio.”

The plans come after new planning laws were passed by the NSW government aimed at boosting the state’s night-time economy through reforms that include making it easier for venues to operate with extended trading hours and greater protection from noise complaints.

NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said it is “unreasonable for residents to expect to hear crickets 24 hours a day in a precinct like Darling Harbour where entertainment should be prioritised”.

“It’s the perfect place for experienced hospitality operators to create amazing experiences and boost our night-time economy,” he said.

The plans also come amid debate about the future of Darling Harbour which is expected to see a surge in development in coming years including a new 40-storey tower planned at Cockle Bay Wharf.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore has been critical of successive state governments for approving “ad hoc, disconnected development” within the precinct she said resulted in a “piecemeal planning” approach that has isolated Darling Harbour from other parts of the CBD.

NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues has suggested authorities should focus on capitalising on the precinct’s proximity to the harbour by creating more opportunities for public activities and attractions on the water.

Planning documents to the City of Sydney Council show no additional carparking would be provided. Traffic modelling commissioned by Doltone House predicted up to 75 per cent of patrons would access the site via public transport or ride-share vehicles.

Construction work on the new 42-storey Harbourside tower, located on the site of the former Harbourside Shopping Centre, is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

Doltone House was contacted for further comment but did not provide a response to questions.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.