planning ยท Burwood Council
Burwood panel approves Elsie Street amusement centre changes
A reduced patron cap, internal layout changes and a larger smoking room have been approved for the previously approved venue at 1-17 Elsie Street.
The Burwood Local Planning Panel has approved changes to a previously approved amusement centre at Suite 3/1, Level 2, 1-17 Elsie Street, including a lower maximum occupancy, internal reconfiguration and louvres behind the first-floor balcony.
At its 15 April meeting, the panel backed a Section 4.55(2) modification application for the Burwood town centre site, which is on council-owned land. The minutes show the panel reviewed the officer assessment report, architectural plans and supporting material, and heard from the applicant before voting unanimously to approve the changes subject to modified conditions.
The approved changes include removing two toilets, removing a Mahjong room with two tables and a dedicated bathroom, removing the display room, enlarging the smoking room, adding two new single-table Mahjong rooms, enclosing two billiard rooms with new partition walls, revising the ancillary snack bar layout, adding a storage room near the main entrance, relocating the server room and installing louvres on the existing balcony next to the smoking room.
A key operating change is a reduction in the maximum number of people allowed on the premises from 210 to 145, including staff and patrons. Between 1am and 8am, the premises must not exceed 110 people. The consent also requires signage at the main entry stating the permitted maximum number of persons.
For nearby residents and patrons, the approved venue can proceed with a different internal layout and lower patron numbers than previously approved. The matter went to the local planning panel because Burwood Council is the landowner of the site.
The panel said it was satisfied the amended proposal was substantially the same development as originally approved and supported the officer's assessment. The modification takes effect subject to the updated conditions attached to the consent.
Reference minutes
Source: Burwood Local Planning Panel meeting minutes, 15 April 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The Burwood Local Planning Panel approved a Section 4.55(2) modification for the amusement centre at Suite 3/1, Level 2, 1-17 Elsie Street, Burwood.
- The approved changes include internal layout alterations, installation of louvres behind the first-floor balcony, a larger smoking room and revised management arrangements.
- The maximum number of people permitted on the premises was reduced from 210 to 145.
- Between 1am and 8am, the premises must not exceed 110 staff and patrons.
- The application was referred to the panel because Burwood Council owns the land.
- The panel voted unanimously to approve the modification subject to modified conditions.
Why it matters
- The decision changes how the approved amusement centre at a Burwood town centre site can operate, including a lower occupancy limit and revised internal layout.