Double Bay cinema and residential project approved after planning panel cuts it down to size
The development application for a nine-storey replacement to the former Ritz Carlton/Stamford Plaza hotel site at Double Bay has been unanimously approved by the Sydney East Joint Regional Planning Panel as long as the developer makes it eight storeys.
The panel considered the application for the long-dormant Cross Street site at a public meeting held at Woollahra Council Chambers.
The development proposal is for the demolition of the former Ritz Carlton/Stamford Plaza Hotel and construction of a residential complex with mixed-used cinemas and retail on the ground and first floor levels.
Woollahra Council planning staff had recommended conditional approval.
The development was approved in accordance with the staff recommendation but with a new condition requiring the sixth level to be removed from the building, reducing it to eight storeys.
The project under previous owner Ashington stalled in 2009 when public demonstrations were held against the proposed 14-storey high-rise development.
Ashington took the application without success to Minister for Planning Kristina Keneally after concluding the council would never deviate from demands that it claimed rendered the project financially unviable.
The former mayor of Woollahra Keri Huxley described Ashington's proposal as "tantamount to a Surfers Paradise on Sydney Harbour". Ashington proposed development, at 52.4 metres, was more than three times the 16.5-metre limit imposed by planning controls.
The current mayor, Susan Wynne, welcomed the eight-storey development.
"I am thrilled, it’s an exciting time for Double Bay with the approval of this development.
"Along with the proposed Kiaora Lands development currently on public exhibition till 15 February 2012, these two sites could inject approximately $140 million worth of investment into the area as well as create jobs for the local community.
"Council has always been supportive of a cinema returning to Double Bay as this is a major drawcard for residents and visitors.”
The latest development has been fronted by Kevin McCabe, the founder and chairman of Scarborough Group International, a real estate and leisure activities group wholly owned by the McCabe family.
The joint planning panel was chaired by John Roseth. It heard some 20 ratepayer rejection requests from Keri Huxley, Michael Rolfe, Barry Lewis, Susan Shaw and Philip Mason. Frances Keevil addressed the panel in favour of the item, along with Greg Solomon.
The development has been designed by architectural firm PTW.
The nine-storey application hit some resistance when earlier this month Woollahra councillors considered the assessment report from planning staff and resolved to advise the Joint Regional Planning Panel that the application should be refused for reasons relating to excessive height, bulk and scale and non-compliance with the council's planning controls.
The $67 million project was for demolition of the existing building from ground-floor level, retention of the basement carpark for 154 vehicles, construction of a mixed-use development with retail tenancies and a five-cinema complex for approximately 600 people which occupies the ground and first floor levels and seven levels of residential above containing 74 units (a mix of one, two and three bedrooms).
It will now be one storey less if the developers proceeds.
Architect's impressions by PTW Architects
