Image: Photo: doltonehouse.com.au
The Doltone House has filed a planning application to the City of Sydney for a large-scale function and wedding venue with 1250-head capacity located on the side of Pyrmont Bridge — and nearby apartment owners are expressing serious concern.
The function will cater to small-scale and large-scale events, including weddings, social Events, exhibitions, corporate dining, and live music performances, as written in their planning documents.
Upon the plan’s release, many nearby homeowners raised concerns about the possible excessive noise, traffic congestion around nearby streets, and disruptive activities around the area.
They are actively refusing the plan by writing objections to the City of Sydney Council hoping to stop it before the expected finishing time in mid-2027.
Residents cite concerns of possible lack of sleep due to construction
One of the residents whose apartment is right in front of the Harbourside development, Dawn Veloskey, spoke to the Herald on the disruption caused by the construction, “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 my balcony door due to the noise. I like fresh air,” she said.
She was also surprised by the possibility of a wedding venue, which she would’ve never guessed, “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.”
Doltone House has been known for many entertainment and hospitality venues around Sydney, such as the Sydney Event Centre, the Customs House, Jones Bay Wharf, and the latest Hay St Market in Paddy’s Market.
Doltone House Harbourside plans to control noise levels and traffic
In the planning document, Doltone House Harbourside mentioned a few plans in an effort to keep the required noise emission limits for nearby residential buildings (including One Darling Harbour and 50 Murray Street).
“The assessment concludes that the anticipated noise impacts from the operation of the function centre will meet all noise emission requirements…at the above sensitive receiver,” as stated.
They also state the venue will redirect patrons to exits through “the most direct and quiet path of egress when departing through residential areas” and also place signage for “encouraging patrons to be quiet and respectful to neighbours.”
Planners say the new Doltone House venue won’t add to Darling Harbour’s traffic jam, showing nearby intersections will operate as usual even during large events. Guests will be encouraged to use public transport or nearby paid parking.
NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said that 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.”
He added, “It’s the perfect place for experienced hospitality operators to create amazing experiences and boost our night-time economy.”
In November last year, after residents around Sydney Harbour complained about noise from The Squire’s Landing potentially becoming a 24-hour venue, Graham expressed a similar sentiment.
“If you are living in the centre of Sydney, it goes with the territory that there’s a little bit of activity including after dark — that’s how it should be,” he said.
The Doltone House Harbourside plans were implemented after the new planning laws were passed by the NSW government. It focuses on increasing the state’s night-time economy through reforms like extended trading hours and greater protection from noise complaints to make venues operate more easily.
The Doltone House Harbourside function centre will be situated at the 42-storey Harbourside tower, located at 2–10 Darling Drive, inside the Harbourside redevelopment at Darling Harbour.
The proposal is currently still under consideration by the City of Sydney.
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