The planned multi-million-dollar redevelopment of Coogee Bay Hotel has ended up with the Land and Environment Court following strong objections from the community.
During the meeting in early August 2022, the Land and Environment Court gave the developers extended time to submit their amended plans. They have until 26 Sept 2022 to submit a new proposal, which will be reviewed before the next scheduled conciliation hearing on 10 Oct 2022.
This hearing will be held in a closed-court session thus the public will not be able to gather real-time information.
Coogee Bay Hotel submitted DA 437/2021, proposing to revamp the heritage-listed site as modern hospitality, leisure and entertainment precinct. The hotel is also considering an underground car park for 220 vehicles to service guests that will be coming to its new dining and shopping precinct.
“The applicant has engaged with Council over the past two years to ensure that the design reflects the desired future character of the Coogee local centre,” the developers stated.
“The project team has met with senior Council officers as well as the Design Review Panel on multiple occasions, and the feedback provided by Council has been useful and has assisted with the progression of the design.
“This proposal represents a considered mixed-use outcome with an integrated design which revitalises the site, complements the character of the area and provides public benefits back to the community.
“The objective of this redevelopment is to create a physical environment that will enhance the business in the years to come, while respecting the history and the role of the site in the community.”
However, the community’s biggest objection to the development revolves around the construction of a 23-metre apartment block within the hotel’s premises. Residents said that the proposed building will not only exceed the 12-metre limit for this Coogee area but the general plan will potentially ruin the community’s village feel.
Locals also opposed the underground car park as this will cause more traffic in a busy beachside area.
In November 2021, Council deferred the DA to the courts. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said that Council expressed to the developers that this “mammoth proposal” is totally incompatible with Coogee’s character and will impact many residents.
A petition to reject the plans has reached more than 8,000 signatures to date, while an advocacy group, Keep Coogee a Village, has also been established to fight the development.
