Paul Nicolaou has criticised a decision that could force the closure of a popular Sydney entertainment venue, warning it sends the “wrong signal” about supporting local business and tourism.
Indoor go-karting venue Hyper Karting, located at Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter, is facing shutdown after the City of Sydney rejected its application to extend operations to 2028.
The council cited the “unacceptable” use of 296 on-site commercial parking spaces.
Business Sydney executive director Nicolaou said the move risked undermining economic activity in the city. “Closing the track sends the wrong signal about supporting local businesses, tourism and activation in our city,” he said.
“A sensible extension would provide certainty to workers and operators while allowing time for a balanced, long-term solution that benefits Sydney’s economy and community.”
The venue, which opened in 2021 and attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually, employs 156 staff who could lose their jobs if it shuts.
Founder Andrew Richardson labelled the decision “nonsensical”, pointing to data showing the carpark has never reached capacity, even after the nearby Allianz Stadium redevelopment, and noting that an additional 1,310 spaces are planned in a new Venues NSW carpark.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she was “disappointed that city staff rejected” the proposal but had “no say” due to planning laws requiring decisions be made by independent assessors.
The decision has prompted calls from business groups and the NSW Opposition for intervention, with a review now underway and set to be reconsidered by the Local Planning Panel at a later date.
Source: The Daily Telegraph.
