The immersive, digital art venue, Otherworld, has sought permission to triple its patron numbers as it seeks to become a popular night-time venue in the centre of Byron Bay.
Earlier this month, the venue applied to increase the cap on its patron numbers from 100 to 300, paving the way for a range of larger events and night-time shows at its Jonson Street premises.
The move comes around six months after Otherworld opened its doors offering an interactive space that blends art, technology and sound.
More after-dark events
‘The increased numbers will allow us to hold more after-dark events,’ Otherworld’s co-founder and former Byron mayor, Simon Richardson said.
‘Since opening, we have been inundated by those who love our space and want to bring events,’ he said.
‘They see a place that mixes music, creativity, dance and art as a perfect addition to Byron.
‘This increase will also allow us to hold conferences and provide a space to showcase our unique gallery for welcome night gatherings for conference visitors.’
Should Otherworld’s dreams come to fruition, it would be a significant addition to Byron Bay nightlife, which has suffered as a consequence of COVID-19, the floods and the current economic downturn.
It would also increase demand for parking on Jonson Street, something which Otherworld says can be easily accommodated by street parking and the basement carpark at Mercato.
Documents accompanying the application indicate that a study of available night-time parking at Mercato was undertaken and that it found there was more than enough capacity to meet demand.
‘…it is reasonable to assume that for the remainder of the year, the Mercato basement carpark would have adequate capacity for the proposed Otherworld parking demand,’ consultants hired by Otherworld said in a letter accompanying the application.
Mr Richardson said the team behind Otherworld had been ‘blown away’ by how much enjoyment the space was providing, with a diverse range of groups from across the region attending.
Massive risk
‘We have taken a massive risk to bring art and creativity to town and would love all the support we can get, especially as we had a delayed opening after the summer season, and then hit a 30-year economic low in town,’ he said.
‘Thus far we’ve loved how much locals and visitors are enjoying it.’
Otherworld’s application for permission to increase its patron numbers is now on public exhibition on the Byron Council website.
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