THE launch of Mount Gambier’s new-look ten-pin bowling alley – Kaboom Entertainment – has stalled indefinitely after a fire safety notice was imposed on the Odeon Plaza’s upper level.
Mount Gambier City Council issued the notice, which forbids occupation and use of the upstairs ten-pin bowling area until its fire safety committee’s concerns are addressed.
Although the exact issues have not been made public, it has been recommended the owners work with a professional fire engineer to conduct a full analysis of the building to ensure all compliance measures are met.
“This notice has come at a most unfortunate time for our new tenant, Kaboom Entertainment, as they wanted to capitalise on the school holiday season,” Admill Nominees Pty Ltd director Bill DeGaris said.
The notice had been appealed in court, however Mr DeGaris is hopeful the issue can be resolved as soon as possible.
“Unfortunately, the owner and its advisers have had years of poor communications with council about their fire requirements for the building and in the past, we have found the information provided to us confusing and difficult to interpret.
“In the circumstances, the owner has appealed against the Fire Safety Notice in the Environment Court of SA, but the last thing we want is for this issue to be sorted out in court.”
At a recent meeting with council’s fire safety officers, Mr DeGaris said it was suggested they engage a professional fire engineer to provide a full report on appropriate fire safety compliance measures required at the centre.
“Because of the unusual nature of the site and the building, there are some unique issues which clearly need addressing,” he said.
“While these ought to have been resolved some time ago, we have found it difficult to have issues clarified by previous officers of the council.”
He said the owners would endeavour to address the current non-compliance issues as quickly as possible.
“We have had some positive feedback from current council officers and expect them to quickly assist us to reach appropriate solutions so the upstairs can re-open expeditiously and Kaboom Entertainment are not kept out of their new premises for too long,” Mr DeGaris said.
“The last thing we want is for there to be any danger to the public, but we also want to have the centre up and running as soon as possible so the new tenants and business owner can move forward positively.”
