Woollahra Council has approved The London Hotel Paddington's plan to build a 7.5-meter outdoor parklet outside the pub, a $50,000 addition designed to boost late-night dining ahead of the venue's 150th anniversary.
The 7.5-meter-long parklet will add 14 sidewalk seats and is designed to boost Paddington's alfresco dining scene; the plan also includes extending serving hours to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and is scheduled to open in time for summer.
The decision came after a three-hour council hearing, during which more than 400 submissions were received. The pub agreed to more than 70 conditions, including a ban on amplified music, security guards on Friday and Saturday nights, a smoking ban, and barriers to ensure the safety and safe passage of pedestrians.
Opponents argue the parklet could raise noise and disturbance levels, with concerns about its impact on mental health. One resident, Petra O’Neill, said the parklet would worsen stress and anxiety due to noise.
Support for the plan came from Paddington Chamber of Commerce member Jock Bell, who said the space would strengthen Paddington as a destination and enhance community ties. Licensee Kingsley Smith stressed the project would not create large crowds and would be limited to 14 seats outside the sidewalk. Woollahra Mayor Sarah Dixson backed the plan, noting it aligns with the council's parklet policy and could address a post-pandemic shift toward alfresco dining.
Some councillors raised questions about aesthetics and precedent. Councillor Mary-Lou Jarvis criticized the orange fluorescent bollards used to delineate the space, calling them incongruous with Paddington’s streetscape. Councillor Toni Zeltzer warned that approving parklets in this area could set a broader precedent.
Council officials emphasized that the parklet policy aims to expand dining options while maintaining safety and accessibility, and they said the plan complies with the policy. The London Hotel licensee said the small outdoor space would help revitalize late-night dining in Paddington, and the project is timed to coincide with the pub's 150th anniversary.