Coogee Bay Hotel Archives

Noise Dispute Emerges Over $111m Coogee Bay Hotel Redevelopment

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.

Coogee development — *Photo Credit: Randwick City Council*

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

Coogee Bay Road Power Outage Delayed After Business Pushback

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Creative Commons 4.0 International

A planned overnight power outage on Coogee Bay Road has been postponed after strong opposition from local business owners who feared major losses during one of their busiest weekends of the year.

The outage, originally scheduled for Sunday, 6 April from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the next morning, was set to affect at least 13 businesses along the popular Coogee Bay Road strip. The timing of the shutdown clashed with the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale at Rosehill, an event that typically draws thousands of visitors and boosts weekend foot traffic for nearby retailers and eateries.

Local Businesses Speak Out

Business owners raised serious concerns over the timing, saying they were not properly consulted and that the power cut would disrupt vital systems such as refrigeration and payment machines. Several operators described the weekend of the Easter sale as a peak trading period they rely on for a large share of their weekly revenue.

Coogee Bay Road — *Photo Credit: RandwickCC*

Maurice Lombardo, who runs the long-standing Italian restaurant La Spiaggia, believed the outage would have had a severe impact. He said the weekend brings consistent crowds and likened its importance to that of a major annual tradition for Coogee.

Others echoed his concerns, pointing out that the lack of early and open consultation made it difficult to prepare for or challenge the plan in time. Café and shop owners feared they’d be forced to close or operate under limited conditions, with some estimating significant losses in takings.

Ausgrid Responds

Energy provider Ausgrid confirmed it had postponed the maintenance work following feedback from affected businesses. The company acknowledged that the original date overlapped with a high-traffic weekend and stated it is now working with traders to find a better time to carry out the necessary repairs.

Ausgrid explained that the works involve replacing a rusted kiosk and making a customer connection, which requires power to be shut off for safety reasons. A spokesperson said they are liaising with local businesses to agree on a new date and time that will minimise disruption.

Although a new date has not been confirmed, it’s understood that Sunday nights remain the preferred option for the work due to the earlier closing hours of venues like the Coogee Bay Hotel, which shuts at midnight on Sundays but stays open until 4:00 a.m. or later on other nights.

Calls for Better Planning

East ward councillor Carolyn Martin said the postponement was a good outcome, but noted it should not have come to this. She believed local businesses should have been considered from the beginning, particularly when planning maintenance work in a busy hospitality precinct.

Business owner Brenton McHatton also weighed in, saying it would be “common sense” to schedule work on a Monday night instead. Mondays, he pointed out, are generally the quietest night of the week for Coogee, and would pose less risk to trade.

The incident has reignited calls for more consistent and transparent communication between infrastructure providers and small businesses, especially in areas that rely heavily on weekend trade.

Published 28-March-2025

Coogee Bay Hotel Gears Up for NRL Grand Final Extravaganza

Photo Credit: Coogee Bay Hotel

As the Labour Day long weekend approaches, the iconic Coogee Bay Hotel is treating Sydney football enthusiasts to an NRL Grand Final celebration this Sunday, 6th October.

Selina’s, the hotel’s renowned entertainment venue, will open its doors at 4 pm, offering patrons an unparalleled viewing experience of the season’s biggest match. The main event kicks off at 7:30 pm, with Selina’s exclusive live broadcast promising to capture every thrilling moment on its expansive big screen.

For those preferring a different atmosphere, the hotel’s popular Sports Bar will also be screening the game live, ensuring that no fan misses out on the action.

more details on the NRL grand final festivities

The hotel is anticipating a vibrant crowd, with management preparing for an influx of passionate supporters and casual viewers alike. Cold beverages and a variety of food options will be available at Coogee Bay Hotel, adding to the festive atmosphere expected on NRL Grand Final Day.

Local residents and visitors to Coogee are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spots for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the NRL season.

Published 25-September-2024

Green Light: $111-Million Revamp of Coogee Bay Hotel Approved After Years of Community Battle

The controversial $111-million overhaul of the iconic Coogee Bay Hotel has finally been approved, paving the way for a substantial facelift that will partially demolish the heritage-listed seaside venue to make way for apartments, retail spaces and upgraded hotel facilities.

In early May 2024, the Sydney East Planning Panel granted deferred commencement consent for the redevelopment of Coogee Bay Hotel following a tense two-hour public meeting. The 4-1 vote in favour came after developers agreed to major revisions to address concerns raised by vocal community groups over issues like excessive bulk, overshadowing of views and potential disruptions.

The Redevelopment Vision

The approved plans will transform the landmark 8,500 sqm-site overlooking Coogee Beach through:

Demolition of several existing buildings
Construction of a five/six-storey residential block with 58 apartments
A new three-storey hotel wing adding 13 keys to the accommodation for a total of 31 boutique rooms
An internal “Selina’s Lane” featuring 11 retail tenancies like cafes and restaurants
Provision of 158 basement parking spaces
Refurbishments and heritage upgrades to the remaining historic hotel structures

This scaled-back proposal replaces the developer’s initial 2021 plans for up to 60 apartments and a supermarket.

A Saga of Staunch Opposition

For years, the redevelopment has faced staunch community resistance. A petition with nearly 10,000 signatures called for the scrapping of a development project, citing fears it would damage Coogee’s low-rise seaside village character.

At last week’s fiery public hearing, a litany of objections were raised by residents:

Excessive height and bulk creating a “canyon” effect along Coogee Bay Road
Loss of iconic views of the ocean and Wedding Cake Island
Demolition of the famed Selina’s music venue, which hosted legends like Elton John
Noise impacts from construction works and the completed development
Disruption that could turn the bustling beachside hub into a “ghost town”

At last week’s fiery public hearing, a litany of objections were raised by residents. David Burden, a local resident, cautioned the panel that the biggest issue was the sheer scale of the redevelopment, which he felt was simply too large for the intimate confines of Coogee Village. In his view, a development of this magnitude would permanently alter the character of the area.

Compromise and Conditions

To secure approval, the developer C!NC Hotels made significant concessions like reducing the maximum height to 21.35m, cutting basement excavation, retaining more heritage facades, and scrapping the planned supermarket.

However, some objectors felt these amendments still fell short. Lone dissenting panellist and former Randwick mayor Danny Said argued that “community expectations” weren’t fully addressed.

Among the conditions imposed, the developer must complete a comprehensive noise management plan addressing resident concerns over future disruptions.

The Way Forward

With deferred commencement approval now granted, the onus is on C!NC to finalise designs and construction timelines for transforming the ageing hotel site over the coming years.

Managing director Chris Cheung, whose company has operated the venue for 30 years, said the “renewed Coogee Bay Hotel will reinvigorate the precinct” and better integrate the site with the surrounding area and village atmosphere.

Published 17-Sept-2024

Coogee Bay Hotel Redevelopment Deliberation Advances to Sydney Planning Panel

Photo Credit: Ryan James Elliot/Facebook

The Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel is poised to review a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the Coogee Bay Hotel. The decision will determine the future of this iconic establishment and its surroundings.

On 30 April 2024, the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel will convene to deliberate on DA/437/2021 the proposed overhaul of the Coogee Bay Hotel.

This decision follows Randwick City Council’s approval of the project with specific conditions, focusing on demolishing existing structures in favour of a new three-storey hotel, a five-storey apartment building, and 11 new ground-level food and beverage tenancies.

In its meeting on 26 March 2024, the Council outlined several modifications to the proposal.

Key concerns addressed include reducing building heights, enhancing setbacks from Arden Street to preserve local flora, and including more affordable housing options. The council also advocated for measures to mitigate potential overshadowing and prevent the removal of the century-old Washington Palms, emphasising a balance between development and environmental preservation.

These adjustments aim to mitigate potential overshadowing, preserve local heritage, and support community members who need affordable living solutions.

Amidst the ongoing deliberations about the redevelopment, the project has encountered strong community opposition, underscored by concerns over its environmental impact, potential loss of heritage, and fears that the new development could disrupt the area’s cherished low-key ambience and directly affect the availability of affordable housing in Coogee.

This ambitious project was introduced in 2021 and subsequently revised in 2023 and 2024. Constrained by a 1995 regulation that reduced allowable building heights, developers face challenges in modernising the site to its former stature.

As the planning panel’s decision looms, both sides of the debate remain entrenched, highlighting the delicate balance between growth and preservation in one of Sydney’s beloved coastal locales.

Published 6-April-2024

Coogee Bay Hotel Owner Shares Vision for Revamped $111-Million Development

Photo Credit: Coogee Bay Hotel

In a bid to address the concerns of the local community, Coogee Bay Hotel owner Christopher Cheung has revealed revised plans for a $111-million redevelopment that aims to strike a balance between preserving the area’s character and offering modern amenities.

The project, which has been met with mixed reactions, is set to include apartments, a hotel wing, and a public laneway running from from Coogee Bay Road to Arden Street creating a through link.

The revised development application (DA/437/2021) comes after an ongoing mediation process with Randwick City Council since 2021.

The Land and Environment Court has granted permission for the submission of the new plans, which feature 58 apartments, a three-story hotel wing, and the “eat street” concept.

External planning consultants are currently conducting a detailed assessment of the revised documentation and amended plans.

According to Randwick City Council, the key amendments to the proposal include:

Building heights reduced from a maximum of 23.33m to 21.35m
Reduction in floor space ratio from 1.79:1 to 1.59:1
Amendments to the building mass to retain view lines to key landforms including Wedding Cake Island, Dolphin Point and the northern headland of Coogee Beach
Reduction in basement excavation by two levels.
Increased building setback to the southern boundary and accommodation of deep soil planting and additional communal open space.
Removal of the ground level supermarket tenancy and provision of residential apartments to the street frontage of Vicar Street.
Increased retention to four heritage building facades along Coogee Bay Road.
Internal reconfiguration of pub building, hotel and all residential apartments.
Inclusion of a three-storey building to the southern side of the beer garden. Provision of the car park entry from Arden Street only and removing the car park entrance from Vicar Street.
Changes to the colour and materials used on the retail tenancies fronting Coogee Bay Road to respond to the character of this streetscape.
Randwick City Council

Coogee Bay Hotel proposal — Artist’s impression of 2023 proposal. Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

The initial development application that was lodged in 2021 was met with strong opposition from the community, triggering a petition with over 8,000 signatures expressing concerns over blocked ocean views.

The 2021 plans covered the demolition of significant parts of the current hotel and the construction of a six-storey apartment building.

Mr Cheung, the managing director of C!NC (the privately-owned hospitality group behind Coogee Bay Hotel and Circular Quay’s Cruise Bar), has said that efforts are being taken to understand the local issues and integrate them into the development.

He explained the motivation behind the changes, stating that the development would “enhance the heritage elements of the hotel building, upgrade its accommodation offering, create a wider range of entertainment, dining options and public meeting spaces, new street links, and create a more family-friendly environment.”

He stressed that the goal was to make the Coogee Bay Hotel a more welcoming place that enhances social outcomes and contributes positively to the local economy.

However, not everyone is convinced by the new plans.

Lucy Bloom, former president of Business Coogee and an author, raised concerns over the potential negative impact of the proposed “eat street.” She argued that it could compete with existing cafes and stores, particularly during the colder months when these businesses already experience a downturn.

Additionally, Ms Bloom expressed apprehension about the demolition of three buildings, which would result in the loss of 40 low-cost residential units, a concern echoed by some local residents.

The height of the proposed development has also been a contentious issue. Rona Wade, a community member, pointed out that the new plans exceeded the existing height limit of 12 metres, standing at 21.25 metres. This height discrepancy, according to Ms Wade, would overshadow the foreshore and detract from Coogee’s value as a seaside village.

The development remains under assessment following a public exhibition that ended in May 2023.

“A detailed assessment of the amended documentation is currently being undertaken by Randwick Council’s external planning consultants. Feedback from the community will be carefully considered as part of the Court proceedings,” Randwick City Council said.

Published 14-Aug-2023

Iconic Selena’s Sydney Is Making a Comeback!

Photo credit: Facebook / Selina’s Sydney

Selina’s, the iconic Sydney venue, is set to make a comeback on April 24th with its first-ever show since undergoing refurbishment.

The newly renovated and rebranded venue now features in-house concert-level audio and visual production supply, a giant mobile LED screen and a scalable capacity enough to accommodate 400 to 1,750. The venue also boasts improved access points, all-new flooring, branded architectural design installations and renovated stage facilities.

Owners and dedicated hospitality group, C-INC, collaborated with top-notch industry professionals in the reimagining of the venue. Innovation ticketing solutions and sales support provided by Moshtix coupled with a new entertainment-focused partnership with Balter Beer and the new creative direction and design by Frame Creative and Grand North are sure to add to the venue’s allure.

David Gregory, general manager of the Coogee Bay Hotel said that they are thrilled to reactivate live entertainment at Selina’s and likewise help build a strong entertainment and events precinct within Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

As Selina’s officially opens its doors on April 24th, four of Australia’s top artists are set to perform to mark the venue’s first-ever comeback show. Featured are The Buoys • Eliza & The Delusionals • Teenage Joans • STUMPS presented by triple j.

Selina’s stage has played host to pioneering acts such as Nirvana, Radiohead, INXS and Sex Pistols, along with contemporary acts like Ocean Alley, Winston Surfshirt, and The Rubens. The venue has also staged private events and activations for global brands including American Express, Microsoft, Uber Eats and Google.

Apart from live concerts, Selina’s offers a range of experiences including theatre and comedy performances, private events and functions, brand activations and promotions, on-location film and advertorial shoots, fashion events, and sports screenings and events.

Grab your tickets here and celebrate the return of Selina’s Sydney.

Published 10-April-2023

Coogee Bay Hotel Vies for Metro Hotel of the Year at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence

Photo Credit: Coogee Bay Hotel / Instagram

Coogee Bay Hotel and 17 other hospitality venues are vying for the honour of being named ‘Metro Hotel of the Year’ at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence 2022.

For the first time since 2019, the AHA NSW Awards will be back this year to honour NSW hotels and operators for their excellence across several categories including accommodation, dining, entertainment, marketing, social media, community service and talented employees.

The last time the Awards were held, The Fiddler on Rouse Hill emerged as the Metropolitan Hotel of the Year whilst Bradford Hotel in Rutherford was named Regional Hotel of the Year.

For this year’s Metropolitan Hotel of the Year, the venue on Coogee Bay Road will be competing against outstanding hotels including Harbour View Hotel, Bella Vista Hotel, Opera Bar, Royal Hotel Randwick and Woollahra Hotel.

Coogee Bay Hotel is also in the running for five other awards: Best Live Music Venue, Heart of the Community, Best Outdoor Experience (including Rooftop Bars), Best Late Night Venue, Best Sporting Entertainment Venue.

For the Regional Hotel of the Year, seventeen venues are nominated including Mudgee’s Oriental Hotel, Paragon Hotel and Woolpack Hotel; Beachcomber Hotel & Resort in Toukley; The Illawarra in Wollongong; and Settlers Inn Hotel in Port Macquire.

Awards for Excellence presentation will be held on 24 October 2022, at the Cutaway on Hickson Road, Barangaroo.

The Awards will also include the inaugural People’s Choice Awards to allow the community to support their favourite local pub. Vote for your favourite pub in New South Wales here and get a chance to win one of the four $250 Pubs & Grub from Special Gift Cards.

Coogee Bay Hotel Redevelopment Heads to Court; Developers Asked to Submit Another Amended Plan

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.

Amendments Addressing Community Issues Asked from Coogee Bay Hotel Redevelopment

Photo Credit: SaveCoogeeVillage/MarjorieONiell

Eastern Sydney’s city planning panel has asked Coogee Bay Hotel to amend its redevelopment plans and address some of the issues raised by the community during the assessment period so a conclusive decision could be made.

Coogee Bay Hotel should provide more information on the amendments before the panel meeting scheduled for 17 March 2022.

Some of the amendments to be clarified include concerns over the building’s height and scale that will impact the community. The owners of the hotel plan to build a six-storey complex along Vicar Street with a height of 23.3 meters. (DA/437/2021)

“A building of such height and bulk will block the views (to the bay, Wedding Cake and Dolphin Point) of many residents who live west of the site and loom over Coogee Bay Road and the scenic foreshore area,” a petition against the redevelopment stated.

“It will change the low-scale, low-key look and feel of the Coogee village centre forever.

The proposed height is twice the legislated planning height limit of 12m. It should be noted that other new developments in Coogee Bay Road have complied with this requirement.”

More than 8,500 have signed the petition to date.

Photo Credit: Ryan James Elliot/Facebook

In January, Urbis, the developer, has written Coogee locals who filed submissions to the development application to ask permission to visit their homes to “prepare photomontages of potential view impacts,” according to one local Rona Wade.

“They came to my place to take photos. One of the group was from the Council who was just overseeing what happened,” a resident confirmed.

Coogee Bay Hotel and the developer have also been asked to enumerate the economic impact of establishing a new supermarket on their site to the existing businesses around the area.

In November 2021, councillors of the Randwick City Council unanimously agreed to a motion to refuse the development and have submitted their opposition to the planning panel.

Listen to the audio recording of the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel meeting with Coogee Bay Hotel on 16 December 2021 below:

NSW Planning Panels · Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel meeting 16 Dec 2021 – PPSSEC-143 – Randwick – DA-437/2021