Battleground on the beach
Kim Macdonald
Tensions are running hot along the coast from Cottesloe to Trigg as two high-rise apartment blocks on the beachfront seek the green light from planning authorities. The proposals – for a nine-storey development on Marine parade in Cottesloe and a four-level complex in Trigg – have raised the ire of locals who fear over development.
Developer Gary Dempsey is seeking planning approval for the nine-storey apartment complex, pictures above, situated between Beaches café and Cottesloe General store.
He rejected complaints from Cottesloe anti-high-rise campaigner John Hammond that it would destroy the character of the neighbourhood. He claimed the luxury apartments, designed by Klopper and David architects, had strong community support.
Prices for three-bedroom apartments will start in the mid – 3$millions, but Mr Dempsey would not reveal the price tag for the ninth-floor penthouse, which will have its own rooftop pool.
“The penthouse for 120 Marine parade will occupy the entire top floor and will be unlike anything we have ever seen before with a private roof deck lounge and plunge pool exclusive to penthouse residents” he said.
The exclusive complex, which has an 18m wide frontage will include a car lift.
It adds to existing plans for a $165 million, 10 storey complex earmarked for the Ocean Beach Hotel site.
Damien Collins who heads up Momentum Wealth, is seeking approval for redesigned plans for a four storey development in Trigg, where the popular Yelo café currently operates. Mr Collins has threatened to remove the café from the new plans if they are not passed by the Joint Development Assessment Panel when it meets today.
The café is popular with locals but many have objected to the new plans, partially on the grounds that they do not provide enough parking for café visitors.
Local resident Wayne Blakeney said locals were not opposed to development but did not want the site over-developed. “We don’t want lots of mini-Scarboroughs dotted along the coast” he said.