Changes to Gabbinbar
New village approved by council
CHANGES have been requested to an upcoming wedding industry precinct on the grounds of the historic Gabbinbar Homestead.
Function centre owner and Toowoomba businessman Barry Bernoth was approved for his new ancillary “Gabbinbar Village” in Middle Ridge in January, despite submissions against the precinct by nearby residents.
The precinct will be occupied by business owners with a stake in the wedding industry, such as cakemakers, celebrants, florists and photographers, along with a cafe open to the public.
The councillors ruled at the time the six-tenancy village matched the intent of the homestead’s business model.
Now Bernoth Properties, represented by Ethos Urban Planning, wants to change several conditions to extend the hours of use for the new development and the existing function centre.
A major condition change surrounded extending the hours of operation for the village to 10pm, to cater for “regional or interstate venue hirers in the times available to visit and organise events at the homestead”.
The requested changes included allowing the tenant of the cafe and the homestead to use the adjoining pavilion (also part of the approval) for private functions until 10pm.
Planner Luke Ciancio said in his report to council the extended hours were not for the public.
“It is proposed to use the pavilion as part of the cafe dining area, which will be open to the general public between the approved hours of 6am-6pm,” he wrote.
“The cafe’s extended hours of operation (i.e. between 6pm-10pm) are intended to support wedding functions only, and not to service the public.” The council has also been asked to allow small functions, like pre-wedding dinners and menu tastings with a maximum capacity of 50 people, to be held at the pavilion.
Mr Bernoth was approached for comment.