Pool splashing out on new bar
THEY have the ideal setting for a new watering hole at Smithfield, now all Placid Pools needs is council approval. In the pool industry for 40 years, owner Joe Spelta, (left) is looking to diversify into the hospitality industry, turning his former pool showroom into a quirky new bar. The Placid Pools team has been working with Peppe’s Bar operations manager Travers Wilkins (right) to float the idea.
A QUIRKY new bar looks set to make a splash at Smithfield by transforming a luxury swimming pool showroom into the perfect watering hole for parched tropical punters.
Placid Pools has operated in Cairns for the past 40 years, staying afloat through high and low economic water marks and keeping on top of emerging trends.
New technology has now rendered redundant the family team’s glorious ode to Far North Queensland living – a network of swimming pools complete with gazebos and spas built a decade ago.
The company has been in pre-lodgement meetings for liquor licensing and has submitted a development application to Cairns Regional Council for permission to use its Koolmoon St premises as a bar.
The team has also been working with Peppe’s Bar operations manager Travers Wilkins on the business concept.
The core swimming pool business will still operate next door and all of the pools will be available for swimming.
“It will be lovely, especially for all us that live out here and don’t always want to go into town all the time,” Placid Pools general manager Amanda Spelta said.
Ms Spelta said the bar could be open as soon as August, depending on the outcome of its application to the council.
The application to the council explains in detail why the decision was made.
“These substantial structures are no longer used or needed to aid sales (as this can be done through 3D models and other similar technology) and have hence become redundant,” it says.
“The applicant seeks to create a tropical oasis which provides a safe and relaxing tropical environment to allow people to unwind and focus on showcasing to locals and tourists alike, Cairns’ wonderful way of life, i.e dipping feet into a natural eco-splash swimming pool while enjoying a cold beverage and simple grazing platter.
“The idea for the proposed development has crystallised over the past two to three years based on consistent feedback received from the applicant from persons who reside in the area that it would be nice if there were more bar style options in the locality, without having to go to the city or Trinity Beach/Palm Cove.”