Alternative Media Group

Kinselas nightmare infuriates tenants

Author:

Josephine Kwan

Posted:

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Residents near Kinselas Hotel have endured months of intense noise from the Darlinghurst nightclub despite appealing to the Council and police several times for intervention.
Neighbours of the Oxford St pub told City News the noise has generally been limited to weekends but there has been no significant change in intensity.
The modest improvement was prompted by the issuance of an infringement notice by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) which required the hotel to implement noise reduction practices.
Resident of Vivere Apartments, Scott McKeown, said: “[The noise] can last anywhere from midnight all the way through to four, five, six and seven o’clock in the morning.”
He has suffered from loss of sleep and anxiety attacks after being bothered by the nightclub’s thumping music for almost a year.
“I have sat in my bedroom, crying with my head in my hands, on my desk, screaming ‘please make it stop’,” he said.
The OLGR has required Kinselas to set up a noise complaint hotline for neighbours.
“I think it’s just a farce,” said Mr McKeown. “If we’re calling [Kinselas] then we’re not calling the rangers or the Police.
“Only twice in the last eight months have I had a successful resolution in asking them to reduce the noise.”
Noise from nightclubs before midnight is limited by the City of Sydney Council to five decibels above background levels, which would be clearly audible above background noise levels. Noise must cease from midnight to 7am within habitable rooms of any residential premises.
A spokesperson for City of Sydney Council said the acoustic sound testing Kinselas has been required to conduct as part of its investigations into the noise complaints did not meet the Council’s standard and the hotel was directed to conduct another testing.
“The club could face fines and other legal action if it does not comply with the City’s direction in a timely manner,” the spokesperson said.
Asked if he planned to move out, Mr McKeown said: “I’m left with no choice but to incur the cost of leaving the residence and an apartment that I love, with an owner that is happy to have me there.”
The City of Sydney Council said it was working with NSW Police, the OGLR, the venue and the residents to resolve the noise complaints at Kinselas.
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, of which OLGR is a division, said a formal disturbance complaint by residents was now being assessed and all parties have until February 29 to lodge their submissions.

Patrick Coughlan, CEO of Riversdale Group which currently manages Kinselas, did not return City News’ phone calls.

Kinselas at 1.30am on Sunday

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