CHRIS THOMSON

MARCH 23 UPDATE: BAR APPROVED BY LAST NIGHT’S MEETING OF VINCENT COUNCIL.

MARCH 17 UPDATE …

After recommending a ‘world first’ small bar for North Perth be rejected on parking and amenity grounds, Town of Vincent planners have had a change of heart.

Founders of Cocktail Gastronomy – a catering firm that matches drinks with gourmet food – have applied to open a bar near the busy intersection of Angove and Charles streets.

In January, chef Daniel Sterpini (pictured left with bartender partner Adam Keane) revealed the bar would offer a unique food and cocktail service on a scale never before seen in the world.

Mr Sterpini said the bar would encourage the extension of Angove Street’s cafe strip from its current Fitzgerald Street end all the way down to Charles Street.

However, Vincent planners last month claimed the concept ran counter to the ‘orderly and proper planning’ of the immediate area.

The immediate area itself is not so flash – containing an old-school adult book shop, drive-thru McDonald’s, used car yard and BP service station.

The plans were advertised to neighbours and not one objection was lodged.

The council did receive a single submission of support that nevertheless warned that a parking shortfall might see the bar’s patrons parking at the McDonald’s or BP.

Vincent’s planners latched upon this, estimating the bar would fall 18 car parks short of their requirements.

Seeing the writing on the wall, Mssrs Sterpini and Keane withdrew their application before last fortnight’s council meeting.

They have now provided extra information about parking requirements.

The data has satisfied town planners who have now recommended that Tuesday night’s meeting of town councillors approve the bar.

If the councillors give the venue their planning thumbs’ up, the budding bar owners will then need to apply for a liquor licence.

From there, it will be back to the council for a building permit.