By Casey Neill
A karaoke bar will soon be bringing keen crooners into Springvale.
Greater Dandenong councillors approved the application for the first floor at 1-3 Balmoral Avenue at their Monday 14 August meeting.
Objections to the project related to potential excessive noise, unruly behaviour and property devaluation.
But a council report found the proposal was acceptable for the site.
“Whilst there are residential developments located opposite the site, the subject site and residential developments are located in the heart of a Commercial 1 Zone,” it said.
Councillor Sean O’Reilly said he was interested in how the council would reconcile the two interests “given the council has a view that Springvale, we want more activity at night”.
“Springvale is a busy activity and shopping centre during the day but then quietens down about 5pm,” he said.
“Neighbouring shopping centres like Glen Waverley tend to go on more into the night time.
“We need residences in central Springvale, close to transport, ready-made patrons for night-time venues.
“I’m interested to see how this will go hand-in-hand in the future.”
Cr Youhourn Chea said “Springvale is quiet at night time”.
“Perhaps if we have more activity at night time it would be great for Springvale,” he said.
Cr Tim Dark said this was a very exciting development.
“This is the first karaoke bar in Springvale,” he said.
“The most popular venue for karaoke in the south east is the City of Monash.
“It’s quite sensible in terms of operating hours and liquor licensing restrictions.
“This will bring a lot of people to the area, bring a lot of business.
“It will be good for the economy. I’m looking forward to it.”
