Collaroy backpackers: $18m hostel redevelopment plan rejected

A decision has been made over an $18m bid to bulldoze a notorious Collaroy beach backpacker party hostel and replace it with swanky apartments.

A notorious Sydney backpacker hostel has dodged the wrecking ball after planning authorities rejected a bid to have it demolished and replaced by a posh block of flats.

The plan was knocked back even though there were 136 submissions from locals in favour of building the $18.3 million 39-unit “shop top” complex on the northern beaches.

Only 16 submissions were received by Northern Beaches Council opposed to the proposed bulldozing of the 65-room Sydney Beachouse hostel in Collaroy St — and a small block of units on an adjoining property in Alexander St — and building the apartments in their place.

Sydney Beachouse hostel at Collaroy. Picture: Manly Daily

The developer, HCAP Developments, pitched the new four-storey residential complex as a way to help revitalise the Collaroy business precinct.

But council planners recommended to the independent Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel that it reject the proposal because it did not fit with the character of the area.

“While the redevelopment of the site is a positive feature of the development, the bulk and scale of the building has not been successfully resolved and is ultimately considered to be inconsistent with the character and context of the locality,” their assessment report said.

An artist's impression of the proposed 39-unit shop-top apartment development at Collaroy. Picture; Supplied

The hostel came to notoriety last year, during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic neighbouringroperty owners complained backpackers were not sticking to social distancing rules.

In April last year the Manly Daily reported that police and council rangers visited the hostel after reports guests were holding large social gatherings.

Neighbours tipped-off authorities after seeing guests regularly partying on a terrace.

Backpacker guests gather on a terrace at the rear of the Sydney Beachouse hostel at Collaroy early last year. Picture: Supplied

A report to the council on behalf of the developer stated that the backpacker hostel had caused “frequent and ongoing noise complaints” and reports of “alleged partying in the adjacent council carpark”.

Locals who praised the plan said it would bring much-needed parking to the area as well as an increase in customers for local businesses.

Others said they wanted to see the backpacker hostel demolished because it “does not make a positive contribution to the locality”.

Those against the redevelopment said it would massively increase local traffic; spoil views of the ocean and; that its rooftop terrace would invade neighbours’ privacy.

The neighbourhood currently has a three-storey building height limit, but the developer wanted to vary that for a four-storey building that included four shops and a basement car park with 93 spaces.

An artist's impression of the proposed 39-unit apartment block development at Collaroy. Picture; Supplied

HCAP Developments owner, and Collaroy resident, Steve Howell, told the Manly Daily in January that he was overwhelmed by the positive public response.

“I’m a Collaroy local and I want to make a positive change for the suburb I love,” he said.

“There hasn’t been a large development of this scale for 50 years.

“I’ve heard a lot from people who’ve lived here all their lives and love it but they say it’s missing a vibrant village. It’s been suffering for a long time.”

Resident Ben Adams, who made a submission, said the existing buildings were an “eyesore”.

“I have lived in Collaroy for many years and to be honest it has fallen behind the times. I think some more developments that honour the beach lifestyle but take the area forward in terms of amenities and facilities, will only enhance what is a close-knit beachside community,” Mr Adams said.

Tourists Alan Sharp and Sarah Sutherill relax at Sydney Beachouse YHA in Collaroy after the backpackers hostel was awarded best budget accommodation in the State by NSW Awards for Excellence in Tourism in 2000. Picture: Manly Daily

“I think the development is much better suited to the area than an old hostel.”

HCAP Developments has been contacted for comment.