Warrnambool set to become home to new bar which caters for a niche market

The plan is for a wine bar on the upper level and a whisky bar on the ground floor of the historic Kepler Street building that had been the home of a law practice for at least 100 years.

The heritage features of the building would be restored as part of the project which got the unanimous support of councillors.

The doors of the new venue could open to the public by the end of the year, provided all regulations have been ticked off.

Cr Max Taylor said he was pleased to see the business was going to cater for a different market to other existing hotels in Warrnambool

"It's going to be an extremely niche market," he said.

"I believe the CBD is the place for this niche market to exist."

Cr Taylor said the concerns of the six objectors would be well covered by the 10 conditions that had been placed on the permit.

"Security staff will be there to supervise at night time, the closing of the laneway after 11pm and patrons will be advised to leave quietly," he said.

"All of the objector's concerns will be met with the permit."

Cr Richard Ziegeler said he was pleased to see the amended plans included noise mitigation measures, and the deletion of the shipping container bar.

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Cr Ben Blain said it was exciting to see a new business open in the CBD and bring something different to the town's night life.

He said the operating hours fitted in with all the other pubs and clubs that were operating in the area.

Cr Blain said while there was a car parking waiver, the business would be operating when a lot of the others nearby weren't. Cr Angie Paspaliaris said it was good to see someone having a go at opening something new in the city during a time when so many people were struggling.

"Someone is really taking a chance," she said.

"The building is being restored, somewhat very nicely with a lot of the existing architecture.

"I think that's a really nice compliment to the old building as well. It seems to be a proposal for a niche market.

"It seems to be something that is before dinner or after dinner, smaller groups, a quieter entertainment outlet. It seems to be catering for a particular type of person in Warrnambool."

The application does not propose accommodation, entertainment, dancing, amusement machines or gambling, the council agenda says.

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