Holdfast Bay mayor ‘horrified’ at SCAP recommending controversial Seawall development

The mayor is among Glenelg locals shocked to see a $135m project recommended for approval despite coming at the expense of historic buildings.

The proposed $165 million 96-apartment building at 21-25 South Esplanade, Glenelg. Picture: Chasecrown

Residents and a mayor fighting to stop a $165 million 13-storey apartment tower from being built on the Glenelg foreshore are “shocked” and “horrified” the project has been recommended for full planning approval.

The State Commission Assessment Panel will meet on Wednesday to consider SA developer Chasecrown’s plan to flatten seven historic buildings including the heritage-listed Seawall Apartments for a luxury 93-apartment tower.

The proposed building has been designed to scale in height from five storeys at the southern boundary with Pier St to 13 levels, more than double the zoned five-storey height limit.

The local heritage-listed Glenelg Seawall Apartments, at far right, that would be demolished to make way for Chasecrown's $165 million apartment building. Picture: Supplied/Karen DeCean

In his planning report assessing officer Jason Cattonar has recommended the panel approve the project on the grounds it is not “seriously at variance” with the Holdfast Bay Council development plan and is of a “suitably high architectural standard that responds to the premier location of the … site”.

But he noted Holdfast Bay Council and state government architect Kirsteen Mackay’s shared concerns about the bulk and scale of the project and did not support the development in its current form.

The SOS Save Our Seawall Community Group said it was “shocked” at the recommendation and said the project was a “massive overreach of planning policy …”

“The proposed 13-storey building is in a precinct which is zoned for a maximum five storeys in height, a limit adopted as a result of a long and detailed government review in 2016 including consultation with the community and local residents with final sign off by the government planning Minister,” they said.

Holdfast Bay mayor Amanda Wilson. Picture: Roy Vandervegt

In her correspondence, contained in the planning report, Ms Mackay said the building was an “overbearing mass” and she urged a “fundamental review” of the design.

“In my opinion, a smaller scale development that sensitively transitions to the buildings in the adjoining established residential area, is appropriate …,” she wrote.

“I am also of the view that the proposal is yet to fulfil the responsibility to deliver a high benchmark for good design, particularly in terms of public realm contribution.”

Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said she was “horrified” at the recommendation and said it was “confounding” in light of Ms Mackay’s concerns.

If the project is approved, it is expected to create 400 local jobs.