Swinging into controversy: New Aussie ‘playground’ sparks neighbourhood uproar
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In a community where change is often met with mixed feelings, a seemingly unremarkable building has sparked significant controversy among residents.
The proposal for its transformation has ignited a heated debate, with locals expressing strong opposition to the planned developments.
As tensions rise, the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the neighborhood's future.
In the heart of South Melbourne, a seemingly innocuous two-storey building has become the epicentre of a heated community dispute.
The structure, which previously housed an IT business, is slated for a transformation that has left local residents and business owners up in arms.
The cause of their fury? The building is set to become Pineapples Lifestyle Bar, a swingers club with a capacity for 200 guests, located just a stone's throw away from a primary school.
Architect Tony Baenziger, a local business owner for over three decades, has become the voice of the opposition, leading more than 100 community members in protest.
Mr Baenziger and his fellow protesters are not opposed to the business itself but to its proposed location.
The proximity to a primary school, residential apartments, businesses, and a church has raised serious questions about the suitability of such an establishment in a busy, family-oriented area.
‘It's really important for people to understand that we don't have a problem with the business—even though it's not my cup of tea,’ Mr Baenziger stated.
‘We just don't want it here, it's not the right place.’
The club, which touts itself as ‘Melbourne's premier adult playground’, plans to operate from 10 am to 2 am daily, offering not just a space for adult activities but also drinks and live music.
‘Our purpose-built venue has an industry-leading layout, furnishings and event schedule, designed to elevate hedonistic events to a never before seen level of sophistication, arousal and titillation,’ the club's website states.
‘Early in the night, the ground floor functions very much like vanilla venues you may have attended before. However, as the night progresses, you may find people shedding their clothing slowly (and sometimes quickly) down to their underwear.’
‘Our thorough screening, couching and unique introduction process ensure only the most respectful, consent-focused and diversely inclusive people attend our events,’ it added.
However, the worries extend beyond moral objections. According to Mr Baenziger, who has run a business next door to the new club for 34 years, it will impact both his customers and his staff.
‘Our clients come to our offices, and they'll have to pass this place,’ he pointed out.
‘We're worried about noise. We're worried about waste management. We're worried about our young women staff.’
‘We're very concerned, particularly during the winter months when it's dark early and they have to walk to their cars. It's not great as it is already, but, you know, to have a venue like this next door isn't fantastic,’ Mr Baenziger continued.
Despite 33 written objections from residents, the City of Port Phillip council has approved the club's opening.
In response, Mr Baenziger has taken the fight to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, hoping that the community's strong opposition will be enough to halt the club's launch.
A major concern for parents is that children will have to walk past the club on their way to the local primary school.
‘There's a lot of kids that walk. Their parents walk with them to school, and they walk past our office, meaning they'd have to walk past this place,’ Mr Baenziger explained.
‘It's an area that we'd like to think would be more suited to family-friendly, even people-friendly, businesses.’
An online petition has also gathered momentum, with over 120 signatures from locals who believe the club's location is entirely inappropriate.
‘This location is entirely inappropriate for such a venue, given its proximity to residential areas, schools, and family-oriented businesses,’ the petition states.
‘Despite numerous objections from local residents and business owners, the council has granted a permit that disregards the character and values of our neighbourhood and what the area should try to aspire to in the future.’
Mr Baenziger hopes that VCAT will block the swingers club from opening after reviewing the community's objections.
‘The world's gone mad,’ he remarked.
‘These places used to all be in the back blocks in industrial areas. Now you can just just about put them anywhere.’
Pineapples Lifestyle Bar has yet to comment on the issue.
The unexpected controversy surrounding the new venue in Melbourne has stirred significant concerns among residents, sparking heated discussions about community impacts and local safety.
As the debate unfolds over this development, another unsettling discovery has emerged in Melbourne, revealing a hidden surprise at a well-known railway station.
This new revelation has intensified the ongoing debate about what’s acceptable within community spaces.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of community and the need to maintain environments where families and individuals of all ages feel safe and respected.
Have you experienced similar situations in your communities? How were they resolved? We invite you to share your thoughts on this issue in the comments below.
The proposal for its transformation has ignited a heated debate, with locals expressing strong opposition to the planned developments.
As tensions rise, the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the neighborhood's future.
In the heart of South Melbourne, a seemingly innocuous two-storey building has become the epicentre of a heated community dispute.
The structure, which previously housed an IT business, is slated for a transformation that has left local residents and business owners up in arms.
The cause of their fury? The building is set to become Pineapples Lifestyle Bar, a swingers club with a capacity for 200 guests, located just a stone's throw away from a primary school.
Residents and local business owners are protesting a swingers club opening near a primary school in South Melbourne. Credit: Pineapples Lifestyle Bar
Architect Tony Baenziger, a local business owner for over three decades, has become the voice of the opposition, leading more than 100 community members in protest.
Mr Baenziger and his fellow protesters are not opposed to the business itself but to its proposed location.
The proximity to a primary school, residential apartments, businesses, and a church has raised serious questions about the suitability of such an establishment in a busy, family-oriented area.
‘It's really important for people to understand that we don't have a problem with the business—even though it's not my cup of tea,’ Mr Baenziger stated.
‘We just don't want it here, it's not the right place.’
The club, which touts itself as ‘Melbourne's premier adult playground’, plans to operate from 10 am to 2 am daily, offering not just a space for adult activities but also drinks and live music.
‘Our purpose-built venue has an industry-leading layout, furnishings and event schedule, designed to elevate hedonistic events to a never before seen level of sophistication, arousal and titillation,’ the club's website states.
‘Early in the night, the ground floor functions very much like vanilla venues you may have attended before. However, as the night progresses, you may find people shedding their clothing slowly (and sometimes quickly) down to their underwear.’
‘Our thorough screening, couching and unique introduction process ensure only the most respectful, consent-focused and diversely inclusive people attend our events,’ it added.
However, the worries extend beyond moral objections. According to Mr Baenziger, who has run a business next door to the new club for 34 years, it will impact both his customers and his staff.
‘Our clients come to our offices, and they'll have to pass this place,’ he pointed out.
‘We're worried about noise. We're worried about waste management. We're worried about our young women staff.’
‘We're very concerned, particularly during the winter months when it's dark early and they have to walk to their cars. It's not great as it is already, but, you know, to have a venue like this next door isn't fantastic,’ Mr Baenziger continued.
Despite 33 written objections from residents, the City of Port Phillip council has approved the club's opening.
In response, Mr Baenziger has taken the fight to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, hoping that the community's strong opposition will be enough to halt the club's launch.
A major concern for parents is that children will have to walk past the club on their way to the local primary school.
‘There's a lot of kids that walk. Their parents walk with them to school, and they walk past our office, meaning they'd have to walk past this place,’ Mr Baenziger explained.
‘It's an area that we'd like to think would be more suited to family-friendly, even people-friendly, businesses.’
An online petition has also gathered momentum, with over 120 signatures from locals who believe the club's location is entirely inappropriate.
‘This location is entirely inappropriate for such a venue, given its proximity to residential areas, schools, and family-oriented businesses,’ the petition states.
‘Despite numerous objections from local residents and business owners, the council has granted a permit that disregards the character and values of our neighbourhood and what the area should try to aspire to in the future.’
Mr Baenziger hopes that VCAT will block the swingers club from opening after reviewing the community's objections.
‘The world's gone mad,’ he remarked.
‘These places used to all be in the back blocks in industrial areas. Now you can just just about put them anywhere.’
Pineapples Lifestyle Bar has yet to comment on the issue.
The unexpected controversy surrounding the new venue in Melbourne has stirred significant concerns among residents, sparking heated discussions about community impacts and local safety.
As the debate unfolds over this development, another unsettling discovery has emerged in Melbourne, revealing a hidden surprise at a well-known railway station.
This new revelation has intensified the ongoing debate about what’s acceptable within community spaces.
Have you experienced similar situations in your communities? How were they resolved? We invite you to share your thoughts on this issue in the comments below.
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