Eight-storey, $20m apartment complex could replace Bradford Lodge in Rose Park

A DECADES-OLD, eight-storey building in the heart of Rose Park would be demolished under a proposal — but neighbours’ hopes of a much smaller replacement are not looking good.

Bradford Lodge on Watson Ave in Rose Park would be demolished under a proposal for an eight-storey, $20m apartment complex.

A DECADES-OLD, eight-storey building in the heart of Rose Park would be demolished under a proposal — but neighbours’ hopes of a much smaller replacement are not looking good.

Prominent pub owners Peter and Jenny Hurley, along with developers Domain Project Developments, have applied to Burnside Council to build an eight-storey, $20 million residential complex on Watson Ave, Rose Park.

The development would replace an existing eight-storey building — Bradford Lodge — built in 1968, before maximum building height limits were introduced.

Local planning rules now restrict new developments in the district to three storeys.

Under the plans, released for public feedback last week, the complex would include 14 three-bedroom apartments and a four-bedroom penthouse on the eighth floor.

Six two-storey townhouses would also be built along Watson Ave and Victoria Tce, as well as 35 carparks, on the 3000sq m site.

Bradford Lodge has been used as accommodation for more than 100 international students for the past 16 years.

Artist impression of the proposed eight-storey apartment complex in Rose Park.

It was a retirement village until 1999.

A long-time Watson Ave resident, who did not wished to be named, said the building’s height was out of character with the local area.

“We have no idea how Bradford Lodge was approved and built in the first place,” the resident said.

“It is the ugliest building in the area.

“It is not the right fit for the area, but three storeys really would be.”

He said the new complex would also create traffic problems in the street.

“There will be a lot more traffic in the area as the students who live there now don’t drive,” he said.

However, the developers argued the proposed complex could not be knocked back due to its height as it had been an eight-storey building for decades.

Domain Project Developments director Simon Wicks said the building would complement the local area.

“It was always our intention to redevelop the site as the building that exists is obviously not eye-catching in the area,” Mr Wicks said.

“We think the proposal we have put forward is a substantial improvement.

“We spent two years working closely on the plans so we believe it will be an appropriate addition to the area.”

In planning documents viewed by the Eastern Courier Messenger, the developers said the complex would house “mature-age residents” and provide a “quieter lifestyle” for buyers.

The Hurley family owns the Arkaba, Hackney, Torrens Arms and Alma hotels.

Public consultation on the proposal is open until Monday.