Edge’s $221m OBH plan approved

A $221 million redevelopment of Ocean Beach Hotel has been approved, with the developer confident of delivering the project within the three-year timeframe.

The Western Australian Planning Commission today approved proprietor Stan Quinlivan’s plan to redevelop Ocean Beach Hotel into a 12-storey apartment and hotel development.

The proposed development has an estimated value of $221 million, and comprises 185 apartments, a 120-room hotel, including a day spa, and 17 commercial tenancies at the 140 Marine Parade site.

Mr Quinlivan collaborated with Edge Visionary Living, Hillam Architects, and town planner element to lodge the development application through the state government's State Development Assessment Unit pathway in late 2021.

The development application has been revised since, particularly in reducing the bulk of the building and increased setbacks.

Edge Visionary Living executive director Gavin Hawkins said construction costs had risen substantially in the past 18 months but was confident the project could be completed within the 36-months’ timeframe under the WAPC approval.

“The fact that our partner for the project, the Quinlivans, has retention of the site allows us a unique position to have a development underway,” he said.

“We are a premium producer of apartment living in Perth, that allows us some flexibility in the revenue side of the equation.

“We remain very, very confident. Certainly, 36 months is adequate.”

Mr Hawkins said the development would be a sought-after living option because of the iconic location of OBH and the lack of competition in the northern side of Marine Parade.

He said the development had community benefits, including the 120-room hotel attached to the apartment block.

“There has not been a five-star hotel built in Perth, on the coast, in 35 years,” Mr Hawkins said.

He said the redevelopment of the OBH site was long overdue.

"The vision is to revitalise one of WA’s most revered coastal landmarks and bring an exemplary level of design and refinement to this storied site, whilst still retaining the character that makes it so unique," Mr Hawkins said after the meeting.

"These apartments will be truly exceptional with breathtaking ocean views and finishes that are inspired by the coast, coupled with world-class amenities for residents to connect, relax and revitalise.

"This approval result is a culmination of hard work from the Edge and Hillam Architects teams, as well as the incredible group of broader consultants."

The proposed 12-storey height exceeds the Town of Cottesloe’s eight-storey limit under its local planning scheme.

Cottesloe Mayor Lorraine Young spoke in opposition to the project, saying the applicant should put forward a proposal that would truly be a benchmark of design.

“The [applicant’s] analysis does show a misunderstanding on how Cottesloe Beach is used, completely ignoring impact on the beach or beach reserve,” Ms Young said at the WAPC meeting.

“Being outdoors at the beach in early morning sunshine is part of the local culture and the applicant has not adequately addressed the impact of the proposed development on the culture.

“It will be significant and it will be detrimental.”

There is also a shortfall of 63 non-residential car parking bays but the SDAU planning director Paola Di Perna said the issue was mitigated with the surplus in residential parking.

Cottesloe foreshore

Ms Young asked the WAPC to impose a condition for a significant financial contribution from the developer, if an approval was to be made.

However, Ms Di Perna said the mandatory contribution proposal did not satisfy all the tests of a valid condition.

The town had sought financial assistance for its foreshore redevelopment project, which has been estimated to cost $22 million.

Then-Liberal Curtin MP Celia Hammond made a pre-election pledge of $7 million towards the project if re-elected.

The federal seat of Curtin was won by Kate Chaney in the 2022 federal election.

The town initially planned to commit $5 million while hoping for a $10 million contribution from the state government.

Town of Cottesloe chief executive Matthew Scott said the town has had discussions with the state government for the past two years.

“I think it’s safe to say it has been recommended to look at other options rather than direct grant and direct contribution from state government,” he said.