By Annette Shailer
The key players behind The Village, Coogee project, Oakstand Property Group and C.inc Hospitality, have said they will continue to work with the State Government Architect, the Department of Planning, and Randwick Council to further refine their plans for the redevelopment of the Coogee Bay Hotel.
Both Oakstand Property Group and C.inc Hospitality have also reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive community consultation program on the $150m development, which will deliver an estimated 473 full-time jobs.
The redevelopment plans involve turning the popular pub into a nine-storey complex with a shopping centre, restaurants and town square.
“We took the initiative and requested the involvement of the State Government Architect to review and advise on the urban design merits of the proposal prior to consideration of the $150 million project as a Major Development Declaration, because we want to deliver the optimum outcome for the site and the Coogee Community,” said David Cullen, managing director of Oakstand.
The approach is believed to be the first time the Department of Planning has sought to assess the design merits prior to declaration.
“The State Government Architect has recommended a number of changes and we are now working through his advice to further refine the development,” Cullen said.
“We remain committed to transforming the existing pub space into a vibrant and viable residential, shopping, and entertainment precinct which allows residents to live, work, shop and dine locally and which deliver a much needed economic boost for the local community.
"Our goal has always been to deliver an outcome fitting of the incredible iconic beachside location with strong design principles to create a viable and vibrant residential, entertainment, and retail precinct.”
C.inc Hospitality managing director, Christopher Cheung, restated his commitment to widespread community consultation and briefings.
“Once the project is declared a major project, we will release details of a number of community information sessions and open days which we will be holding on top of the formal community consultation and exhibition period required as part of the Part 3A process, so that local residents understand exactly what it proposed and why,” Cheung said.