Kangaroo Bay: Clarence Council denies Chambroad extension
Clarence Council could exercise its buyback clause to reclaim land at Kangaroo Bay, sold to Chinese developer Chambroad, after it rejected the company’s last minute redesign. What’s next >
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The Clarence Council could exercise its buyback clause to reclaim land at Kangaroo Bay, sold to Chinese developer Chambroad, after it voted on Monday to reject the company’s last minute redesign.
The company was set to build a hotel and hospitality school at the site, but in October, plans for the educational facility were dumped, because Chambroad was unable to secure an educational provider.
The developer went back to the drawing board to redesign the hotel portion of the plan, and was also unable to meet the deadline in October to substantially commence development.
On Monday the council was left to decide whether it would allow an extension of time to substantially commence the project – the fifth requested by the company.
It also needed to decide whether it would accept the new designs submitted to the council in confidential workshops.
Until the start of the council’s meeting at 7pm, the public were not given access to the revised design.
In a deputation to council before deliberations, Chambroad Australia director and general manager Finely Zhang said Chambroad was committed to Kangaroo Bay.
“The proposed draft development agreement would terminate the old SDA while preserving council’s buyback rights and would enable the DA to be lodged by next June and construction of the hotel commenced by December 2023,” Mr Zhang said.
“We have committed to a two stage process to engage with the Clarence community, in particular, immediate and nearby neighbours.
Mr Zhang said a draft consultation process had been submitted to council.
Several councillors were not convinced by the consultation undertaken by the company.
“The main reasons why I wouldn’t accept the modified proposal now is because the modified proposal has been available to the public for 53 minutes,” Cr Daniel Hulme said.
“Let’s just see how this plays out in terms of consulting on the modified proposal, see what the community has to say.”
Cr Jade Darko said the company should have made its plans public earlier.
“Developers should be working with the community every step of the way,” Ms Darko said.
“Chambroad has treated the community with complete disrespect.
“We need to have a much greater standard of community consultation for any proposal going forward.”
Mayor Brendan Blomeley said it was up to Chambroad to win over the community on its modified proposal.
“Kangaroo bay is the jewel in our city’s crown and we have one opportunity to get it right,” Mr Blomeley said.
“It’s essential its full potential is achieved.
“The reasons provided by Chambroad do not pass the pub test … Is there any wonder our community is cynical and angry by this process.”
The council did not consent to the extension of time and did not accept the modified proposal.
The council now has the opportunity to buy back the land at Kangaroo Bay, which it must make a decision on by April 12.
If the council does reclaim the land, it will need to pay Chambroad $2.44m plus GST and stamp duty.
Chambroad may present another proposal to council if it wishes to pursue a development.
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Originally published as Kangaroo Bay: Clarence Council denies Chambroad extension
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