SCARBOROUGH’S Observation City would be protected for future tourism use under a proposed new planning scheme for the City of Stirling.
The proposed scheme would put an end to redevelopment proposals for the hotel.
A plan by the property’s owner, Straits Trading Company, to convert the site into a luxury apartment and boutique hotel development had been blocked by the City of Stirling.
Straits took the matter to the State Administrative Tribunal, but that process was put on hold in May, pending completion of the planning scheme.
The proposed planning scheme specifies that the existing 17-storey Rendezvous Observation City building would be restricted to use as a hotel. It also states that if the building was demolished or redeveloped, the site should be mainly used for tourism development.
Planning Minister John Day said the hotel was a strategic site critical to the future growth of tourism in the area.
“The Rendezvous Observation City Hotel has been an established tourism landmark for more than 20 years and is a focal point within this significant regional beachfront location,” Mr Day said.
“This proposal would ensure that any future development on the site is focused on tourism, helping to maintain and strengthen Scarborough’s position as an important visitor destination.”