b³ – brisbane boutique bars

The draft Fortitude Valley neighbourhood plan contains provisions which will allow fusion trading to become a reality for business owners in Fortitude Valley.

Featuring in a recent article in the Australian the proposed plans will make it easier for shops, hairdressers and other businesses in the Valley Special Entertainment Precinct make an application to obtain a bar licence for all or part of the premises.

The proposal will mean the developments below will be self assessable in the Special Entertainment Precinct of Fortitude Valley:

…Centre Activities where a Hotel, Nightclub or Restaurant and where:
• not involving building work, and
• less than 100m² in gross floor area(2), and
• not located within the same building as, or within 5m from a residential use, and
• complying with the Acceptable Solutions in the Centre Amenity and Performance Code…

(2) Other uses (e.g. shop) may occupy an area greater than 100sqm, provided the licensed component (e.g. hotel) is less than 100sqm.

However, the proposal to exclude property outside of the Special Entertainment Precinct is not what was expected and b³ has made a formal submission to the Brisbane City Council asking that the self assesable level of development be extended to Multi Purpose Centres (MP2) within the area covered by the Fortitude Valley Neighbourhood Plan.

Removing the cost and uncertainty of a Code Assessable planning application along with specific provisions allowing mixed use developments will take us one step closer to a vibrant bar scene in Brisbane.

Download a full copy of the Draft Fortitude Valley Neighbourhood Plan.

Following the successful launch of b³ the Brisbane media have helped promote the idea of the boutique bar culture in Brisbane.

Brisbanetimes.com.au helped in the leadup to the launch, meeting Justin and Matt at Jamie’s on James, the iconic hole in the wall espresso bar which would be an ideal location for a small bar. The follow up article includes a slideshow and don’t forget to have your say on where you want to see a small bar.

We had a number of radio interviews, ABC612 and 4BC came to the party.

Letitia over at Feedia had an interesting take on the event.

Look out for the online petition coming soon. With your support we can change the face of nightlife in Brisbane, and hopefully we won’t be forced to drink from plastic tumblers while we’re doing it.