Controversial Nightcliff Cafe development approved by Darwin council

Campaigners against a planned $1.6 million cafe on Darwin's foreshore say they are disappointed, but not surprised, it has been given council approval.

Simon Scally, from the Friends of Nightcliff Foreshore group, said the council should be spending the money on more pressing community needs.

On Tuesday night Darwin city councillors voted eight to five to allow the 250 square metre cafe to to built in the heart of the suburb of Nightcliff.

Some members of the community have raised concerns that the cafe's liquor licence would encourage noisy behaviour or be a danger with drunk patrons going for a swim in the public pool next door.

Artist's impression ( Image : Darwin City Council)

Mr Scally, a local architect, said the cafe was elitist but was grateful the council had incorporated some of the ideas from his group.

The council will fund construction of the cafe which will be leased off them by the vendor, likely to be the Fannie Bay Cool Spot.

The cafe will have a licence to serve alcohol until 10pm.

Darwin Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim said the cafe would be located near the Nightcliff pool.

"The final design shows environmental design principles have been applied, with simple, durable materials being used and the inclusion of a vertical green feature wall," Ms Fong Lim said.

Source : ABC News  Xavier   La Canna   December 10th December