Docklands is alive and kicking

By Daniel Hibberd -  President

What a welcome change to see our precinct re-emerge. 

Who could deny how spectacular the NewQuay Promenade looked as it set the stage for the 60th Melbourne Boat Show; what a perfect place for the annual event and what a win for local traders seeing increased footfall and spend throughout the local area. 

Many excitedly commented on the potential of the show stretching down Harbour Esplanade past Yanonung Quay and wrapping around Victoria Harbour Promenade … let’s keep this professionally conducted event here in Docklands permanently.

The pilot season of the WSX Australian Grand Prix amazed at Marvel. What an experience to see the stadium completely transform from pristine turf to a battlefield of dirt. These elite world-renowned riders encouraged serious numbers to the Docklands precinct. Hotels were absolutely packed for the entire week and so many food and beverage traders reported a great increase in sales.

We’ve had the re-introduction of ice hockey tournaments to the O’Brien Icehouse and with the Trans-Tasman clash upcoming followed by the restart of National Ice Hockey League all we can say is, welcome back to Docklands!

With so much conversation speaking directly to the controversial opening of ATET, it’s fair to say this local business has arrived in Docklands with a bang.

It must be said that The Chamber does not play a role in permits, licenses, applications, sound monitoring, complaints, etc. We do work with our members to promote and to engage them with community and other businesses. We will continue to do that.

It should be celebrated that we all enjoy a precinct uniquely zoned for residential, commercial, entertainment and industrial use providing vast opportunity and potential for growth particularly when emerging from the hardship of recent years. 

We do agree, mistakes can be made and in turn, should be rectified. Above all, community must uphold a level of mutual respect which includes visitors, residents and business alike.

Docklands is a mixed-use precinct and ATET is a family-owned business that is within its rights to operate within the rules in Docklands. We welcome ATET and on top of a cocktail and a boogie we look forward to open air yoga, cinema nights with a harbour backdrop and chilled acoustic sessions.

It’s with excited anticipation we see summer months approaching and can’t wait to see existing businesses fire up and welcome new business to the opportunity we have within our community our precinct. •