Who it's for
Hospitality project management, in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria, means keeping the architect, builder, approvals and opening plan on one timeline. Everyone on a new venue is waiting on someone else. We sit in the middle and keep it moving. This is for you if:
- You're opening your first venue and haven't managed a build before
- You're opening another venue while running the ones you have
- Your architect, builder and approvals are on different timelines
Not you? Only need the permits and licence? See approvals to open a venue.
Design to the approvals. Once the licence is granted, any change to the licensed area needs a new red line plan and a variation. Brief the architect on the approvals first.
What we coordinate
- Architect and designer — We brief them on what the permit and licence will allow, so the design doesn't need redrawing.
- Builder and building surveyor — We line up the fit-out program with the building permit, occupancy and licence decision. The surveyor issues the permit; we track it.
- Approvals — Planning permit, liquor licence, red line plan (where liquor can be served) and footpath trading, prepared and lodged in the right order.
- Venue management plan — A written plan for how the venue runs: patrons, noise, staff and incidents. → /compliance/venue-management-plan
- Training — New entrant training from Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) for the licensee and nominee, and RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) for staff and managers. → /compliance/training
- Launch — A run-sheet for the final weeks: approvals in hand, staff briefed on the licence conditions, one opening date.
Led by people who've run venues
James Curby is Plan2Pour's Senior Consultant. He has 17 years in venue and kitchen operations, including venue ownership. James is our Senior Consultant and leads implementation and project management. Jacob Bettio ran licensed venues for about ten years and leads licensing, planning and compliance.
Most opening delays happen where two jobs meet: a bar moved after the red line plan was drawn, or staff rostered before training is done. We plan for those points from the start.
Speak with Jacob
Principal. Twelve years running venues and working inside local government.
The first conversation is free.
Book a 15-minute call(03) 7064 8477We reply within 24 hours.
How it works
We start early and stay with it until opening day.
- 15-minute call Tell us the site, concept and target opening. We fix the fee.
- One program A single timeline for design, approvals, build, training and launch, with an owner for each step.
- Coordinate We work with your architect, builder and surveyor, and deal directly with council and LCV.
- Open Final checks, training records and staff briefings. After opening, ComplianceCare is there if you want ongoing support.
Fees and timing
A fixed fee, quoted before we start, based on the venue and how much we coordinate.
- Project management
- Fixed fee, quoted before we start
- New liquor licence
- From $1,199 + GST (restaurant or café) or $1,599 + GST (other licences), red line plan included
- When to start
- Before the design is final, ideally before you sign the lease
What we need from you
The earlier we have these, the better we can plan.
- Site address, lease and target opening date
- Contacts for your architect, builder and building surveyor
- Current drawings and the build program
- Your concept and planned hours
- Licensee, nominee and director details
Questions
What does a hospitality project manager do?
A hospitality project manager keeps the design, approvals, build, training and launch on one timeline. They brief the architect and builder, track the permits and licence, and make sure staff and paperwork are ready before opening. Unlike a building project manager, we also prepare and lodge the planning permit and liquor licence ourselves and deal directly with council and LCV, so the approvals aren't a separate track.
When should I bring in a project manager?
Before the design is final, and ideally before you sign the lease. The approvals shape the design: the licensed area, patron numbers and outdoor seating all need to fit what council and LCV will allow. Bringing us in after the drawings are done can mean redrawing them. If you're already mid-build, it's still worth a call; we'll tell you where the risks to your opening date are.
Can you coordinate my architect and builder?
Yes. We work with your architect and builder rather than replacing them. We brief the architect on what the approvals need, line the builder's program up with the permit and licence dates, and keep the building surveyor and council in the loop on building permits, occupancy and food registration. Those approvals are issued by them, not us, but we track them so they're ready when you need them.
Do you help with staff training before opening?
Yes, we plan it and track it. New licensees and nominees must complete LCV's new entrant training, and people selling or serving alcohol under most licence types need RSA training, including managers and licensees. We set the dates so it's done before you trade, brief staff on your licence conditions, and keep the records in one place. See training for managers and staff.