Coogee Bay Hotel owner Christopher Cheung speaks on revised $111m plans

The owner of Coogee Bay Hotel has shared the inspiration behind the amended plans for the much-loved eastern suburbs venue, which is set to include apartments, a hotel and eat street.

Artist impression of revised Coogee Bay Hotel.

The owner of Coogee Bay Hotel Christopher Cheung has spoken for the first time after revised $111m plans were unveiled, saying he understands local issues and the development will “complement” the area’s seaside character.

The revised proposal, featuring 58 apartments, a three-storey hotel wing and an ‘eat street’ laneway, was placed on public exhibition with Randwick Council in April.

The original plans included 60 apartments, commercial premises, a supermarket, a 29-room hotel, three levels of basement parking, and “eat street”, however, it was met with significant community opposition – including a 8000-signature petition complaining it would block ocean views – when lodged in 2021.

Mr Cheung, the managing director of privately-owned hospitality group C!NC which operates Coogee Bay Hotel and Circular Quay’s Cruise Bar – said a mediation process with Randwick Council had been ongoing since 2021, with the Land and Environment Court granting permission for the amended plans to be filed.

“The site is in the heart of Coogee, [it] is the suburb’s gateway to the ocean front and is a highly accessible place with excellent access to services and public transport,” he said.

Coogee Beach Hotel owner Christopher Cheung at Bonnie Doon Golf Course. (AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook)

Artist impression of food outlets at the proposed Coogee Bay Hotel development.

Given the owners have been “members of the community for the past 30 years”, Mr Cheung said they understood the local environment.

He said there was “an opportunity to better integrate and reinvigorate the entire site”.

“The proposal would enhance the heritage elements of the hotel building, upgrade its accommodation offering, create a wider range of entertainment, dining options and public meeting spaces, new street links and create a more family friendly environment,” he said.

By “recasting the Coogee Bay Hotel as a more friendly place”, Mr Cheung said it would improve social outcomes, boost the local economy and complement the character of the local area.

Former Business Coogee president Lucy Bloom. Photo: Melinda Hird

While acknowledging the additional hotel rooms and new luxury units might “bring more business to Coogee”, former Business Coogee president and author Lucy Bloom said the proposed ‘eat street’ would compete with existing cafes and stores which already suffer a downturn during the colder months.

Ms Bloom said the proposal, which includes the demolition of three buildings, would result in the loss of 40 low-cost residential units with the occupants often local shoppers.

She detailed how extra traffic generated by the development would put “pressure on already scarce parking” and in turn deter visitors from Coogee.

Community members have previously shared their concern over the proposed building height with Rona Wade saying it was still “too high”.

The new plans stand at 21.25m, much higher than the existing height limit of 12m.

Ms Wade also argued the height limit should not be breached and agreed with the sentiment the proposal would dominate the foreshore and detract from Coogee’s value as a seaside village.