Controversial 250-bed ‘pod hotel’ in heart of Fremantle has final call delayed

A Perth panel has after a two-hour meeting deferred a decision on a four-storey $8 million 250-bed backpackers’ “pod hotel” on Essex Street Fremantle that would be the first of its kind in WA.

LyLo Fremantle is to be the WA version of locations already in New Zealand and Queensland.

The proposal as it stood was for 80 rooms with 247 beds, a small bar and communal dining, kitchen, laundry and bathroom areas with a 24-hour reception.

The proposed Lylo Fremantle. Credit: DAP application documents

The City of Fremantle had recommended the development assessment panel refuse it due to its bulk and scale and loss of sun, light and privacy for the surrounding residents, many of them in heritage properties.

A large number of community presentations were made from residents directly abutting the development, worried about heritage issues, noise, waste management and backpackers staring into their gardens and milling about on the streets.

“It’s a nightmare,” said one resident, who also called it “monstrous”.

Another said the plan would impact 38 residences and five businesses and when the bar was full there could be hundreds of patrons across the site. Without the ability to socialise and rest in their tiny rooms, it would be “schoolies on tap”.

Another said they were “profoundly disappointed by the sheer disregard shown” for neighbours.

They also said guests being in rooms of only two metres by one, without private space to relax, would spill to the streets and create noise and crowding issues.

But the proponents said Lylo was part of an experienced and established company that had put together a team with experience in WA and Fremantle.

They said they had carefully considered and addressed the issues raised by the community in consultation with the City of Fremantle, and the plan was compliant with planning and heritage requirements. They said screening would ensure hotel guests would not overlook private backyards.

They said thoughtful communal spaces were provided to create a neighbourhood and community feel where people could meet outside their rooms and in the wider public spaces of Fremantle.

They pointed out the benefits tourism could provide in activating Fremantle.

LyLo managing director Tim Alpe said the development would be a hotel with the “personality of a hostel” and Fremantle did not have enough budget accommodation.

The panel agreed that it was a highly desirable development for the city, but the proposal still needed work, and voted to delay the decision to give the proponent time to address some of the issues.

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