Perth Voice Interactive

PLANS for a multi-million dollar wine bar in Maylands are generating plenty of interest both for and against.

A 103-signature petition opposing the venue has been submitted to Bayswater city council but supporters have taken to Facebook in their droves, excited about the one-of-a-kind live music venue. Applicant Michiel de Ruyter says around 100 letters of support have been sent to the council.

If approved, the three-storey “Lyric Lane” will feature a licensed function room in the basement— earmarked for live music and comedy—and a cafe-bar on the ground floor.

The De Ruyter family plans to build the venue on the site of the old Speedlite bike shop, near Rifo’s on Guildford Road

The opposing petition and seven letters of objection raised concerns about car-parking, vehicle safety, noise, and anti-social behaviour.

Mr de Ruyter says he has consulted extensively with public and made an effort to be transparent at every stage of the process.

“Lyrics will not be a beer barn or a low-cost liquor outlet as feared by some and it definitely will not have a bottle shop,” he says.

“We are spending over half-a-million dollars to ensure we won’t be causing noise issues and we will be activating the laneways to reduce anti-social behaviour.

“The parking issues suggested are mainly a technicality and the solution we propose is an excellent community-minded alternative which will benefit those nearby.”

The bar area would hold 100 people and the sound-proofed basement 150.

The top two floors would be for office space and limited accommodation with a rooftop-garden.

The council refused to reveal the name of the lead petitioner opposing the plan.

The Voice understands at least one of the petitioners is a local concerned her elderly mother living nearby could be affected.

Mr de Ruyter is disappointed the lead petitioner declined his offer to sit down and discuss concerns.

“If anyone would like to understand better what we are doing, then I remain happy to discuss our plans at any time and listen to any constructive concerns and suggestions they may have.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK