Rooftop bar plans revealed for Due South

When the festive season comes around next year, enjoying a drink and a meal on a rooftop deck as the sun sets over Princess Royal Harbour could be a reality at Due South.

Owner Paul Lionetti expects to get the final tick of approval from the City of Albany in the next week to realise his dreams of a rooftop function area overlooking the water.

The major addition to the waterfront bar and restaurant will allow the venue to hold major functions with up to 150 people. Mr Lionetti revealed his long-held plans to the Advertiseryesterdayand said it was the perfect time to bring them to fruition, with several exciting projects happening in the city.

He said the new rooftop bar, half of which would be enclosed, would bring a new look to alfresco dining in the city.

“We have thought about it for a while,” Mr Lionetti said.

“We had dreams of having big functions, weddings and stuff, but we’ve been too successful to close ... the whole premises down for something like a wedding.

“We have heaps of parties but we didn’t have a specified function area. Now (this rooftop area) can be for a group of 150 for whatever function, we’ll close it off — or just for people wanting to have an alfresco bar experience.”

The rooftop area will have a bar and kitchen separate from the existing facilities at Due South, which has been open for just over five years.

Architect Michael Roberts said the extension had been designed to fit with the building’s existing design.

It will be built on the western side of the venue, near the Albany Entertainment Centre, with a planned opening date of Christmas, 2020.

Mr Lionetti said Due South would not close during the construction.

He said the idea stemmed from visits to beachside restaurants and bars in Europe.

The finished bar would add another special touch to his beloved Albany waterfront.

“I don’t think you can put it into words. This is the world’s best spot,” he said.

“You have the Albany Entertainment Centre, the new Hilton Hotel next door and the cleanest waters in the world.

“This will add another perspective to drinking and dining in Albany.

“For me, Albany is at an exciting time with what is happening around the place.”

Mr Lionetti also has ambitious plans for a footbridge linking the new rooftop venue to the Hilton Garden Inn hotel, which is under construction.

“My ultimate dream is to have a walkover from the hotel to the rooftop bar,” he said.

“A footbridge of some sort from the top of Hilton Hotel that will get people talking.”