A South Melbourne neighbourhood is at war over future plans to turn this plain-looking building into a swingers club… now the owners have hit back

The owners of a planned swingers club at the centre of a neighbourhood dispute have responded to locals opposing its opening.

The two-storey building on City Road in South Melbourne, once home to an IT company, will soon be converted into a 200-capacity swingers club called Pineapples Lifestyle Bar.

Describing itself as ‘Melbourne’s best adult playground’, this ‘adult hangout’ is open daily from 10am to 2am, offering drinks and live music.

The planned location has angered local residents, who are concerned about safety, parking issues and the potential impact of the location on the character of the neighbourhood.

The club’s owners have responded, stating that they want to create a “boutique-style, inclusive, respectful and discreet place for mature, consenting adults.”

A spokesperson for the venue said it would be an “asset” to the area and that the location had been chosen after consultation with the “lifestyle community”.

They added that guests are not allowed to pay other guests or staff for sexual acts as it is not a brothel, strip club or massage parlour.

Because it is classified as a sex venue, guests must pay an entrance fee to engage in sexual acts with others.

The spokesperson said the location will ‘attract’ guests from across Australia to visit the region and boost other local businesses.

“There are few parallels with our niche, our destination business,” they said 7News.

‘This will entice guests to visit the region, which will create new employment opportunities and benefit the staff we hire and other businesses in the region.’

‘We expect people to come from across Victoria and across Australia and to use local accommodation, restaurants, cafes, day activity centres such as South Melbourne Market and public transport, taxi services and ride-sharing services.’

Visitors must purchase a ticket in advance and will be checked.

Local architect Tony Baenziger has taken the lead in the fight against the site, starting a petition signed by over 400 people demanding that it remain closed.

“It’s very important that people understand that we don’t have a problem with the case, even though it’s not my thing,” he told Daily Mail Australia.

“We just don’t want it here, it’s not the right place.”

The petition states that the location is ‘completely unsuitable … given its proximity to residential areas, schools and family businesses’.

Locals have protested the club’s opening because of its proximity to schools, ‘family-friendly’ businesses and the potential impact on the character of the area.

‘Despite the many objections from local residents and businesses, the council has granted a permit that does not take into account the character and values ​​of our neighbourhood and what the area should strive for in the future,’ the petition states.

‘We are appealing the Council’s decision to the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).’

The proposal to the VCAT will also be based on potential parking issues in surrounding areas, an ‘excessive’ capacity of 200 people, safety concerns and a ‘lack of a waste management plan’.

Regarding parking issues, the spokesperson said that with every ticket purchased, each customer receives a “map” showing the permitted and prohibited parking areas.

They added that the location will move forward with its plans to open despite community backlash.

“We will fight for our vision to create Melbourne’s best purpose-built adult playground for the growing number of mature, consenting adults who want to experience something more than a boring lifestyle,” they said.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Pineapples Lifestyle Bar for comment.