Karaoke bars hit a high note

HOBART’S growing Asian student population has prompted the second proposal in a matter of months for a karaoke bar in the city.

While an old concept, there are no dedicated karaoke bars in Hobart — a gap in the market identified now by two different companies.

The top floor of the former Unions Tasmania building located next to the historic State Cinema in North Hobart has been leased to Chinese businessman Kevin Meng, who has lodged a development application with the Hobart City Council for a karaoke bar.

Mr Meng, pictured, said the business would include 13 rooms, one of which would be for VIPs.

“We’re from Brisbane and in September last year we were new to Hobart and did market research,” Mr Meng said.

“Our target market, the Asian population, is growing in Tasmania in recent years.”

Building owner and State Cinema owner John Kelly said the karaoke bar would fit nicely into the precinct.

“I think it’s going to bring some good cultural diversity to North Hobart and it will further cement its reputation as an entertainment precinct not just a restaurant strip,” he said.

The second karaoke bar proposed for Hobart is the work of international students Baiwen Su, Yizhou Wang and Yinghuan Liu who plan to open G9 Bar & Karaoke at Soundys Lane between Elizabeth St and Wellington Court. Mr Liu said yesterday said he hoped the bar would be open by May.