Wollongong's small-bar kingpins are looking to branch out to Port Kembla.
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The group of friends who made up Good Times Only runs four small bars in the Wollongong CBD, including Howlin' Wolf and The Prince.
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They've now set their sights on a location in Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, planning to set up a small bar called The Iron Yampi.
The SS Iron Yampi was the first ship to enter the Port Kembla inner harbour back in 1960.
in a development application now lodged with Wollongong City Council, the proposed venue at 106 Wentworth Street is located towards the southern end of the street and will occupy the ground floor of the two-storey premises.
Port Kembla has long been touted as having the potential of becoming a trendy area like Sydney's inner suburbs, but that promise has never truly been reached.
The venue will have a strong neighbourhood community vibe.
- The development application for a new small bar in Port Kembla
With the Iron Yampi, the Good Times Only team are betting that is about to change.
"[It] is planned to be a social and artistic hub for the community of Port Kembla, with a strong focus on playing a pivotal role in the revitalisation of Wentworth Street," the development application stated.
"The venue will have a strong neighbourhood/community vibe, and in time will look to contribute to the local arts space, local sporting teams and community events."
While venues are closed at the moment due to the COVID lockdown, one day places like The Iron Yampi will be able to open for a drink.
When that happens, the Good Times Only team plans to open seven days a week, between 11am and midnight.
"Whilst the business core focus will be evening trade, the proposed hours reflect a desire to grow the business from lunch trade through to late evenings and better contribute to the activation of Port Kembla's main street across a 13-hour day," the application stated.
It claims it will deliver "high quality food and beverage options" that will "continue the upward trajectory of Port Kembla as a cultural hub for the Illawarra".
A floor plan shows 19 tables and a separate bar and kitchen spread across two internal rooms. There is also a further six tables in an outside courtyard.
Maximum capacity is 120 people with a security guard present on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
