Cottesloe set for multi-storey development — Ocean Beach Hotel gets eight storeys

UPDATE: Former Cottesloe mayor labels as ‘patent nonsense’ the Premier’s comments that the iconic beachfront is below par.

FORMER Cottesloe mayor John Hammond has labelled as ‘patent nonsense’ the Premier’s premise that the iconic beachfront is below par.

Mr Hammond has rubbished comments from Premier Colin Barnett as he released long awaited amendments to height restrictions along the area.

Mr Barnett and planning minister John Day today announced that five-storey developments would be allowed along the beachfront.

Exceptions to this rule would be an eight-storey limit applied to the Ocean Beach Hotel site and six storeys at the Il Lido site.

“Cottesloe Beach is a stunning beach by any standard,’’ Mr Barnett said.

“It has a national and international reputation. However, it is not up to standard.

“The issue of redevelopment of Cottesloe Beach has been around for around 20 years. The time has come to resolve the situation.”

But Mr Hammond, one-time president of action group Keep Cott Low and a 20-year resident of the suburb, called the Premier’s argument ‘patent nonsense’.

“The State government’s own website rates Cottesloe Beach as one of the top 10 beaches in WA,” he said.

“The State government’s tourism site features the beach prominently. Various other websites praise the beach, www.hotelcub.com rates it as the best beach in WA.

“Add to this the fact that the highest prices for real estate per square metre in WA (are) on the Cottesloe beachfront.

“Cottesloe Beach is a wonderful bay where there are no shadows from eight-storey buildings, where the panorama is focused on the bay, the Norfolk pines and the white sand.

“With buildings of five, six and eight storeys, the prime focal point will be glass, steel and concrete.”

Mr Barnett, the Cottesloe MLA, said five storeys was not a high-rise development and it would not turn Cottesloe into the Gold Coast.

“To have a limit of five storeys along the main stretch of the beach is modest and acceptable to the wider community,” he said.

“Not everyone wants to go to the beach and sit on the sand.

“People like to enjoy the ambience of the area, whether it is a cafe or restaurant or whatever.”

Mr Day said a general five-storey limit along Marine Parade between Eric and Forrest streets had been agreed to.

“All development above three storeys along Marine Parade must be set back further on the block to reduce the visual impact and prevent overshadowing,” Mr Day said.

He said the white sands of Cottesloe Beach were internationally renowned, but the beachfront needed to be upgraded to contemporary standards, to provide for a variety of commercial businesses including small bars and short-stay accommodation.

Mr Day said the agreement took much longer than usual due to substantial public consultation, legal action and a design process inquiry.

Originally published as Cottesloe set for multi-storey development — Ocean Beach Hotel gets eight storeys