Bad decision for Northbridge

Rob Broadfield Comment, The West Australian
December 11, 2010,

Some days you've just got to shake your head in disbelief.

When WA Director of Liquor Licensing Barry Sargeant last week denied restaurateur Nic Trimboli a licence for his new Northbridge restaurant, he effectively said "no" to bringing an end to the area's reputation as ground zero for trashed and aggressive trouble makers.

Mr Trimboli's stylish restaurant, while not a panacea to Northbridge's social ills, might well have been a game changer, attracting a cashed-up, more sophisticated crowd to the area.

If a government or local authority wants to clean up and make safe a nightclub/restaurant precinct, it must first use its planning powers to changes the streetscape. This the East Perth Redevelopment Authority has done spectacularly well, with the refurbishment of William Street, north of the Horseshoe Bridge.

Mr Trimboli's restaurant was to have been a tenant in one of the newly-minted buildings.

Secondly, government must allow, promote even, the inclusion of high-end restaurant and entertainment businesses. Diverse dining and entertainment options will make the streets safer as the balance of patrons reflects a wider cross section of the community.

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi's scathing appraisal of Mr Sargeant as being out of touch and, presumably, out to lunch is spot on.

Northbridge needs Mr Trimboli.

Mr Sargeant is an ass.