Concern About Centre Noise

Newcastle Herald

Friday October 17, 2008

By JACQUI JONES Civic Reporter

NEWCASTLE East residents are lobbying to restrict the use of a new multi-purpose centre at Fort Scratchley.

Newcastle City Council is seeking development consent to use the building, located in the outer fort grounds on Nobbys Road, Newcastle East, for private functions and as a community centre.

Because the council is the applicant, an independent party will assess the proposal but councillors are expected to make the determination.

Objectors to the plan outlined their concerns to councillors and a public audience of about 30 people at City Hall last night.

Jennifer Smith, a social planning consultant employed by Newcastle East residents, said her clients supported the multi-purpose centre's potential to generate income for the recently restored Fort Scratchley.

But they had concerns about how the building would be used.

Residents did not want it used for alcohol-related functions and were concerned about noise, traffic and parking congestion, and headlight glare from patrons' vehicles leaving the venue at night.

Neighbours asked that there be no activity after 10pm.

Newcastle East Residents Group representative Ann Creevey said her organisation had thought the building would be used as a kiosk, cafe and information centre.

It was concerned about a lack of consultation.

"The handling of the Fort Scratchley project is an example of inadequate and non-transparent negotiation with the community," she said.

The council, in its capacity as the applicant, declined to speak last night.

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© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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