Pop-up venues in the City of South Perth

Media Response 9 January 2017

Journalist’s background: As discussed, I am doing a story for ABC TV/online about impact pop- up venues are having on established local pub businesses. I have spoken to a number of South Perth businesses that believe the Embargo Bar had a detrimental impact on their summer trading. However obviously they bring foot traffic to area and can bring spaces to life.

Please attribute the following quotes to City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty.

Was there a tender process for the South Perth foreshore over the summer?
In July 2016, the City approached Embargo Container Bar and invited the operators to bring their pop-up venue to Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth. The venue was part of the City’s 2016 spring and summer calendar of arts, events and cultural activities.

How long was Embargo Container Bar operating at the foreshore?
Embargo Container Bar is a family-friendly venue and operated at Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth from 11 November to 18 December 2016. Over 40,000 patrons attended the temporary venue over the 6 week period.  
 
What is Council's response to local business owners saying that pop-up bars cut into their patronage numbers and create an unfair playing field?
A number of businesses including some located on South Perth foreshore went out of their way to express their support of Embargo and the way it had increased patronage of their venues, also activating the area.
 
The City has received no formal complaints or feedback from local businesses about Embargo effecting patronage to their venues. 
 
Pop-up events and venues such as Embargo bring thousands of people to our City and stimulate areas that might otherwise not receive high numbers of foot traffic. They help to showcase our beautiful City, bringing people to South Perth who might not otherwise visit whilst exposing local businesses to new audiences and customers.  
 
Were there any complaints from local residents about pop-up events in 2016? If so, how many?
 There were a minimal number of noise complaints received during the installation of Embargo. The overwhelming majority of the community thoroughly enjoyed Embargo and the attention it brought to the foreshore.
 
Many people including local residents and those living outside the City of South Perth made the time to email the City their positive feedback and urged the Council to consider more pop-up venues and activations like this in future. There was a very positive response on social media too, with people commenting on how much they loved Embargo and sharing photos of the venue and South Perth foreshore.
 
Did Embargo Container Bar pay land tax, charges or rent for the area?
 The operators of Embargo Container Bar paid a reserve hire fee for use of the site. 
 
What is the Council's strategy for pop-up bars, will it continue to be supported in the future?
Through this temporary activation of Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth it was intended that the foreshore would be activated and the following objectives would be achieved: attract a greater number of visitors to the area; create opportunities for increased social activity; encourage healthy outdoor lifestyles; enhance the amenity of the area.

Given the overwhelmingly positive community response to Embargo Container Bar and other City hosted pop-up venues and events, the City proposes to facilitate a range of activities in the future. Coming up, from 11 January to 30 April 2017 a series of food vans known as South Perth StrEATS will return to the foreshore, daily from 5-8pm at Ellam St, providing the local community and visitors with the opportunity to picnic along the river while enjoying magnificent views of the city skyline. These inclusive experiences bring families and friends together in a positive and fun way.

Offering a diverse range of high-quality arts, events and cultural experiences throughout the year and particularly over the summer period for the whole community to enjoy is a key focus for the City.

Media contact

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