Orange's first CBD brewery and tasting room is set to open on Lords Place after being granted planning approval this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Orange City Council also agreed to a request by Mad Hatter Drink Lab owner Ed Hattersley to waive a $39,000 fee required because there was insufficient parking available at the venue.
The fee was initially $61,000 however council staff proposed three on-street car parks could be counted toward the brewery's allocation.
The imposition of contributions of nearly $40,000 is unfeasible
- Ed Hattersley, owner Mad Hatter Drink Lab
The business is to be established in a former warehouse between Kite and Moulder streets where Mr Hattersley has already opened a coffee shop in a modified shipping container.
It will operate seven days a week with the bar/tastings area open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The brewery will operate from Monday to Friday 8am-5pm while the cafe would open from early morning until 2pm.
Mr Hattersley told council this week the parking fee would be 'detrimental' to the business opening.
"I'm a small business owner, I am self-funded and the imposition of contributions of nearly $40,000 is unfeasible," he said.
"It will be detrimental to us opening up on Lords Place in this way."
Mr Hattersley said his core trading hours would be outside the main business hours leading to less demand for parking.
He said the business would be unique, would meet the council's FutureCity objectives and would benefit locals and tourists.
Mr Hattersley said he also planned to hold events including parties and dinners at the venue.
He also operates The Carriers Arms Hotel nearby.
Councillor Joanne McRae said the lack of parking might discourage patrons drinking and driving.
"So if it is harder for people to get a park hopefully then some are going to use the taxi services, maybe they are going to walk, maybe they are going to use the Orange bus lines," she said.
Mayor Reg Kidd said he supported the plan but was concerned about it setting a precedent.
"I can just see any hotel or motel doing an extension asking for the same exemption," he said.
Cr Stephen Nugent said council had previously waived parking fees on some other developments in Orange.
He said the business would help rejuvenate an otherwise quiet part of Lords Place.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Catch up on our news headlines at Google News
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...