Two Octagon bars in Dunedin are undergoing a more than $500,000 redevelopment as two former "hole in the wall" bars are combined into one and a new licensed premises opens in lower Stuart St.
It has been a decade since Barakah and di lusso in the lower Octagon were opened by Richard Newcombe, but the need for a makeover and changing customer expectations prompted the decision for the redevelopments.
"Expectations of customers now are for a whole experience; drinks, dining and then entertainment," Mr Newcombe (38) said yesterday.
There was still a distinction between older customers providing the mainstay of "early evening trade" before going to the movies, theatre or attending rugby, while students were an increasingly a key element of the after-11pm crowd.
"We've seen more of a drift to the Octagon by students in recent years because there are more bar choices," he said.
The Rugby World Cup was the highlight of the decade of trading in the Octagon for Mr Newcombe, who has been involved in the hospitality sector for 18 years.
"The World Cup was amazing for the whole city - the feeling of being part of an international event on the world stage," he said.
The adjoining Barakah and di lusso bars have been recombined into one larger site, to be rebranded Stuart St Mac's Brew Bar. It is due to open in September.
The new di lusso in lower Stuart St is due to open shortly, and between the two bars there will be up to 25 full-time and part-time staff, plus employment of security and DJs.
