Sadly Newcastle City Council is planning to remove our deck located outside Shop 5, 113 – 125 Darby Street.

Council’s reasons for refusing our Application to keep the deck are it :

* is not consistent with the respect to traffic and parking.

* does not provide a positive contribution to surrounding development.

* will have an unreasonable social and economic impact on the built environment in the locality.

If you have ever been to WIA Store, you would know that we consistently strive to provide a relaxed, fun, family friendly environment for the community, where people can come to enjoy coffee, food and social par takings.

We strongly believe that since opening WIA Store we have changed the space, which was previously considered dark, derelict and dirty, into an area for families and friends to socialise, smile and enjoy the diverse culture that the Darby Street community has to offer. Many nearby residents have acknowledged this and expressed gratitude for the way WIA Store has transformed this section into a socially vibrant space.

With our unique concept, a strong social media presence and customers traveling hours to come and enjoy our products, we believe we have helped increase foot traffic and customers to Darby Street, which has had a positive economic contribution to Newcastle. Yet, Newcastle City Council believes the opposite, claiming that it has unreasonable social and economic impacts on the City of Newcastle.

Furthermore, Newcastle City Council has stated that the proposed development will have unreasonable impacts such as noise, traffic and cause parking constraints within the vicinity. The council is adamant that by WIA using their own staff carpark for the purpose of an outdoor deck, this will in turn burden the available car allocations in the area. Yet, the City is spending millions of dollars to encourage increased usage of public transport in order to reduce the use of motor vehicles within the City.

Fortunately for us, we have received great support from all our wonderful customers. With a rejected DA, we have no other option but to lobby against NCC’s decision regarding WIA Store’s deck. We want to continue selling you our amazing acai bowls and coffee outside and now it is up to the power of the people. If you agree that our deck should stay, we kindly ask you to take a moment to voice your opinion and sign the petition.

Additionally you can email your local councillor:

Cooks Hill representative “John Church” Email: jchurch@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Councillor John Mackenzie Email: jmackenzie@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Kath Elliot Email: kelliott@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Councillor Carol Duncan Email: cduncan@ncc.nsw.gov.au

THANK YOU! We greatly appreciate your support.