18 - 18 Hastings St Noosa Heads - Planning Report · MCU19/0061

6. Proposed Development Details
6.1   Material Change of Use

       The proposal is seeking a Development Permit for Material Change of Use to establish an Entertainment
       and Dining Business – Type 2 Recreation, amusement & fitness on the subject site. The proposed use is
       an appropriate reuse of the existing building and is consistent with existing uses on the site and
       immediately adjoining. The plans provided within Appendix A illustrate the floor plan of the proposed
       development site containing a front of house floor space and back of house store room.

      Operations
       It is proposed that the front floor space will be fitted out to accommodate a variety of amusement and
       recreational devices, machines and consoles providing a range of amusement games and activities for
       ages 4 to adult with the primary target range being ages 6 - 14 years.

       The amusement arcade will be designed as a light, bright and airy space, contrary to the old style of
       amusement parlour which were often dark and closed. The machines and games will be adjusted to a
       low level, or no sound as the premises will be fitted with its own sound system.

       The premises will provide high visibility and security with all angles of the amusement arcade being
       monitored. The venue will be staffed at all times to ensure a safe play environment. Staff will be trained
       on all machines and devices to maintain a high level of competence in issue resolution and activity
       monitoring.

       The applicant intends to engage the local community through community event sponsorship,
       opportunities for party packages and partnership deals with other local businesses.

      Hours of Operation
       It is proposed that opening hours will be 9:00am to 9:00pm daily during the high season period with
       hours reducing to around 10:00am to 5:00pm in the low season pending demand. The venue will be
       staffed at all times to ensure responsible operation.

      Car Parking and Accessibility
       The premises directly adjoins the rear car parking area that services the Bay Village complex. The car
       parking provision for the subject site at 1/20m2 in the Visitor Mixed Use Zone equates to 10.2 car parking
       spaces which is less than the required car parking provision for the same space under Retail Business
       use (Refer Table 5: Car parking Comparison).

       The proposed use is complementary to other existing compatible uses within the shopping complex and
       the surrounding area. It is anticipated that customers patronising the venue would already be in the
       locality at Hastings Street either staying in visitor accommodation or a day visitor patronising other
       similar and complementary uses such as dining, shopping and health spa uses.

       The applicant maintains that the primary benefit of the selected location for the amusement venue is
       that it is within walking distance of visitor accommodation and compatible uses

       Market research undertaken by the applicant has determined that there are presently no similar
       amusement venues in the Hastings Street area. Competing uses presently require visitors and patrons
       to drive to the location for amusement activities. Noosa Tenpin and Laser Tag is well established, but
       aging and requires a 15 minute drive from Hastings Street to the venue. Arcade Box located in Noosaville



RG Strategic         Town Planning Report –MCU to Business Uses – Entertainment & Dining Business Type 2       12