Paddington community rallies to protect heritage listed pub

Residents of Paddington have come together to show their solidarity with their beloved neighborhood pub, The Village Inn. They are expressing their strong opposition to a recent proposal that aims to convert the pub into a commercial retail establishment.

The Rose and Crown Hotel Paddington, referred to as 'The Village Inn', is one of the longest-standing establishments in the local area and has been serving the community since 1890.

Nevertheless, the latest decision by Alemais, a renowned fashion brand, aims to transform the pub into a boutique store accompanied by functional workspace.

On Saturday, a local organization called Save The Village Inn organized a peaceful demonstration alongside their internet campaign to express their opposition to the development plan presented by the district attorney.

The group of people from the community who united in reaction to the DA, have expressed their thoughts regarding the pub's importance to the community as a gathering spot and its historical background.

A Social Hub: The "Living Room"

William Marshall, who resides on Glenmore Road in Paddington and serves as the spokesperson for the action group, spoke to City Hub about the prompt reaction of the group towards the proposed modifications.

According to Marshall, the Village Inn pub functions as a gathering spot, an attraction for tourists, and a place suitable for families. He highlights how the establishment successfully caters to the needs of the Paddington Community.

Describing the pub as the 'heart' of the 'vehicle' that is Paddington, Marshal acknowledges the establishment's enduring strength over the course of 130 years in business.

"Marshall emphasizes that the organization has successfully adjusted to transformations within the local and broader Sydney society, despite the altering demographics."

The hotel appeals to a wide range of guests, including college students, residents, tourists, families, individuals attending sporting events, lone individuals, and couples from various backgrounds.

Marshall states that the alteration would have a great influence on the Paddington neighborhood's social interactions, as they consider the pub to be their primary gathering spot, comparable to a comfortable living area.

In addition, Marshall suggests that the suggested commercial area "may result in a decrease in the number of individuals coming" and impact the "unique atmosphere" of the neighborhood.

"According to Marshall, the suggestion worsens the existing surplus of commercial buildings and workspaces."

The level of occupied spaces in Paddington is roughly around 65 to 70 percent, while places such as Oxford Street, William Street, and Darlinghurst already possess a surplus of unoccupied shops and offices.

Marshall explains that they have opted for a sit-in demonstration to demonstrate the immense backing from the nearby community, alongside their petition - which presently holds 3,664 signatures (as of the time this article was published).

Meeting Council: Addressing Concerns

After the suggestion became known, Councillor Harriet Price has expressed her opposition to the alterations in favor of the pub, inquiring, "Is it truly necessary for the [crossing at Paddington] to have an additional clothing boutique?"

City Hub had a conversation with Cr Price regarding the importance of the pub in the community and the plans to offer aid to these establishments.

According to Price, the presence of pubs in Paddington contributes significantly to the unique essence of the neighborhood, amplifying its distinct character and storied past.

"Pubs are esteemed as a valuable 'third place', offering gathering spots and chances for social interactions, mutual exchange, and camaraderie. The closure of a pub erases the feeling of community and belonging," added Cr Price.

Taking into account the acknowledgment of the Village Inn's heritage designation as a "lasting marker of community character," both she and Cr Luise Elsing intend to submit a motion to Woollahra Municipal Council.

Cr Price argues that the conversion of the Pub's purpose and the suggested modifications will negatively affect its historical importance.

In the motion, it asks the council to create an additional report to the old heritage studies conducted by heritage experts. This report is intended to evaluate the social significance of the Paddington hotel.

Additionally, the proposal will ask the Mayor of Woollahra to pen a letter to the Minister for Environment and Heritage, bringing attention to worries and investigating measures to safeguard historical taverns.

The motion notification is anticipated to be presented at the evening gathering of Woollahra Municipal Council on Monday.

In early August, Alemais submitted a Development Application (DA) to the Woollahra Municipal Council, with the intention of modifying the structure in order to establish a luxury retail store.

The District Attorney has mentioned that their proposal would involve making "modifications and enhancements" to the outer part of the building. Their objective is to convert the ground floor from being a Hotel/Pub to a retail space and to transform the first and second floors into offices.

Even though the DA hasn't been approved yet, it is anticipated that the Woollahra/Paddington community will persist in their opposition to the plans in support of their cherished pub.