Plans for a new Estella pub called the Estella Hotel, will soon be debated by Wagga City Council. Photo: Estella Hotel Holdings Unit Trust.
The future of a $10 million pub in Estella is set to be decided at Monday night’s (10 February) Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) meeting.
The pub’s development application, which was originally presented to WWCC in August 2024, includes plans for a three-level detached building including a drive-through bottle shop, dining and bistro area, sports bar, children’s playground, lounge, gaming area, cocktail bar and function rooms.
The plans have been resubmitted to WWCC and will be put to a vote by councillors due to the applicant’s request (The Trustee for Estella Hotel Holdings Unit Trust) for fewer parking spaces than the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan’s (DCP) recommendation.
“The initial calculations identify that 487 car parking spaces are needed to comply with the DCP controls whereas 190 spaces are proposed. Equally 24 bicycle racks are required whereas 10 are proposed. The proposed number of parking spaces is significant and greater than any other licensed premises offered within the local area,” the council report read.
In addition to the parking space variation, Riverina Police voiced their concern about the proposed trading hours of the planned pub extending past midnight, with the current plans extending the closing time to 3 am.
“The development has proposed operational hours of 10 am to 3 am,” the report detailed.
“These hours will vary slightly across the premises, for example, the bistro service will end at 9 pm and the bottle shop will close at midnight. The application is supported by a noise impact assessment. Subject to mitigation measures the report concludes that the noise impacts associated with the development comply with the applicable noise standards and criteria.
“The application has been referred to NSW Police who have prepared a detailed response and analysis of the impacts of new licensed premises within a residential neighbourhood. Whilst the police support the development, they raise concerns about the increase in alcohol-related crime and the potential for antisocial behaviour.
“A key issue raised in the police submission is the proposed late-night trading after midnight. There are significant concerns with the operational hours and the proposed 3 am closing is not supported. The police note that there are difficulties responding to alcohol-related crime incidents after midnight as resources are focused within the CBD where there are many late-night trading licensed venues.
“It is recommended that the applicant prepare a crime prevention management plan addressing a range of operational matters to assist in reducing the opportunity for crime.”
Despite the two major concerns, council staff’s recommendation to councillors is that the council approve the DA of the new site at 77 Avocet Drive, Estella.
One person who is eager to see if the application is approved is Estella resident Toby Hoskins, who believes a new pub is worth council investment.
“A pub on that side of the bridge would be helpful for quite a few people, including local residents and the uni students, providing them with a safe and affordable way to have a night out,” Mr Hoskins said.
“With the pub being built, it’s solidifying Estella as its own self-sustaining suburb.
“We have a growing population, two supermarkets, schools, a uni campus, a medical centre, a chemist and fast food, so building a pub that residents can enjoy, just makes sense.”
Wagga councillors will vote on the approval of the Estella Pub at WWCC’s ordinary council meeting on Monday 10 February.
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