A $111-million redevelopment of the Coogee Bay Hotel has come under scrutiny after project planners sought to remove a key noise control condition, prompting concerns about potential noise impacts from local officials and residents.
Background to the Redevelopment
The Coogee Bay Hotel’s redevelopment plans were approved in 2024 by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel following a lengthy planning and community engagement process.
Originally lodged in 2021, the plans faced strong local resistance due to concerns about height, bulk, and the impact on the area’s character. Amendments reduced the proposed height to 21.35 metres and removed a supermarket component.
The panel granted deferred commencement consent, requiring resolution of a noise management plan with Randwick City Council before the approval becomes operational.
Scope of the Development
The redevelopment covers an 8,500-square-metre site and includes the demolition of several structures. Key elements include a five to six-storey residential block with 58 apartments, 11 retail tenancies, basement parking for 158 vehicles, and a new hotel wing bringing total accommodation to 31 rooms.
Refurbishments to heritage features of the existing hotel and landscaping works are also planned.
Noise Control Dispute
Despite initially agreeing to submit a noise masterplan and provide noise modelling data, planners representing the Coogee Bay Hotel are now seeking the removal of the said requirement.
The move has drawn criticism from members of the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel and Randwick Council, who view the condition as essential to protecting residential amenity.
Panel Response and Legal Action
Planning chair Carl Scully criticised the handling of the issue, highlighting delays and refusal to provide noise modelling data. He expressed concern that the push to remove the condition raised suspicion about potential noise impacts.
The hotel has launched legal action against Randwick Council in the NSW Land and Environment Court to remove the condition. A hearing is expected in July, although the panel will have final say on any proposed settlement.
Community Sentiment
Residents have raised concerns about increased noise, particularly from proposed outdoor areas near homes. Some believe current noise levels are already disruptive. While developers claim the change will not create negative impacts, locals maintain the noise condition is necessary to protect the neighbourhood.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Coogee Bay Hotel redevelopment cannot proceed until the noise condition is resolved. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between large-scale development and community expectations in Coogee.
Published 13-Apr-2025
