Heritage advisors at the City of Hobart have deemed TV screens located outside Hobart’s Pavilion Sports Bar as “unacceptable” and are recommending the rejection of a permit that would allow the screens to remain permanently installed.
The two TV screens, initially installed in early 2023 to showcase live sports games for patrons, were placed outside the popular Salamanca bar without prior council approval.
When contacted by Pulse, the venue owners said they “weren’t aware” that a permit was required.
“The TV’s are clearly within our outdoor dining area and aren’t outwardly facing,” venue co-owner Blair Brownless told Pulse.
A retrospective planning application seeking approval for the professionally installed screens was submitted to the Council in late 2023 after a planning officer came knocking.
But while zero objections were made during the time the planning application was open for public submissions, Council Heritage Officer Nick Booth has since recommended the refusal ‘on cultural grounds’.
Booth says the TV screen proposal “detracts from the character and heritage value” of the Salamanca area.
“The signs are not necessarily a dominant feature within the streetscape, however it could be argued that they are not necessarily an integral component of it,” he said.
Under the Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme, signs displaying “electronic or video graphics” primarily for commercial use are prohibited in order to preserve the area’s heritage charm.
Brownless says Salamanca is an entertainment precinct and their screens are beloved by patrons who enjoy watching their favourite games while seated outdoors.
“We think that the outside TV’s add to that whole look and feel of being an entertainment precinct,” Brownless said.
In addition to the outdoor screens, the Pavilion also operates nine indoor TV screens.
The council will vote on the planning application during Wednesday night’s planning meeting.
