Noise Complaints Threaten New Aus Music Venue

The launch of a new music venue in Melbourne has come under fire from nearby residents complaining about noise.

The city’s first-ever floating, open-air club and event space, ATET, opened last weekend in Docklands, but those in the apartments surrounding the North Wharf moored venue are keen to see it shut down, despite owners claiming they're following all requirements laid out by the Melbourne City Council.

As 9News reports, the council has been “inundated with complaints” about “loud, obnoxious music” and has been forced to launch an investigation to determine whether or not the venue has breached its planning permit.

But ATET are “confident” no rules have been broken, with the venue’s Jake Hughes telling 9News, “It’s our absolute priority now to review everything we’re doing.”

“Docklands has been very sleepy for the last few years – it has been a lot quieter than it is designed to be,” he added.

Described as an “unprecedented concept”, the new live space five years in the making will focus on local and international electronic artists.

The venue itself can host 550 punters across its two-story layout (expansive open deck as the primary space with a mezzanine level above) and has “sweeping views of Melbourne’s skyline across Victoria Harbour”.

It also has a retractable roof made of clear PVC so that events can proceed even in the event of terrible weather, two bars, a commercial kitchen and loose, modular furniture.

“ATET has been created as a unique social experience built around community and creative culture. It wouldn’t have been possible without the initial support of 130 loyal supporters from the electronic music community who have helped fund the project from its inception,” Hughes said ahead of its launch.

“ATET is more than just a bar on the water – we are channelling the open-air day party experience of European festivals and day clubs and providing it regularly in the heart of Melbourne. This environment creates a sense of freedom that can’t be replicated indoors.

“It’s also the reason behind the venue’s name. In ancient Egyptian mythology, ATET was said to be the solar barge of the sun god Ra, which would travel through the sky daily, providing light to the world.

“We have insisted on the best in sound and lighting to accompany these unrivalled city views. Our community would expect nothing less.”

ATET was built on the repurposed Alma Doepel barge.

“The setting just feels surreal. You have the dramatic backdrop of the Bolte Bridge on one side and uninterrupted waterfront views of the city skyline on the other,” Hughes said. “You’re walking distance from the city, yet there’s no one here.”

The venue will run from 1pm to 1am and will provide courtesy buses at the night's end to transport people back to the city or to Southern Cross Station.

The Music has reached out to ATET for comment.