Preparations begin for $7m Cottesloe build

The construction of a new $7 million development on Cottesloe’s Marine Parade coastal strip could begin in a matter of months, after being given the green light by the state’s planning authority.

Last year, Perth-based architectural firm Space Collective lodged a development application on behalf of BWC Corp to construct a five-storey development at a site currently occupied by pizzeria Canteen Pizza.

The development, which sits on 550 square metres of premium beachfront real estate, is set to feature eight dwellings, a restaurant and a fast-food outlet.

Space Collective design director Felipe Soto said the concept was driven by a desire to create a development sympathetic to the site, one of a reasonable size but still reflective of the character of the area.

“We looked at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel as one of the reference buildings in the area and also the ocean and how we could incorporate that into the design, texture of the building and the colour of the materials used,” he said.

“We wanted to build something that really belonged to Cottesloe and the feedback we got from the local council and the design review panel really helped inform that.”

Though the concept was supported and recommended for approval by the Town of Cottesloe council, concerns were raised about the definition of a mezzanine floor and whether it in fact constituted a sixth storey.

But members of the Metro Inner-North Joint Development Assessment Panel sided with the proponent’s planning consultancy, approving the development late last month.

With unobstructed ocean views, Greenbuilt WA director Jack Greenhalgh told Business News the development had already attracted the attention of four potential buyers purely through word of mouth.

He said the development targeted the luxury and high-end market, with experienced luxury residential construction company Mercedes appointed to undertake early contractor involvement works.

Construction is expected to begin by mid year and be completed by late 2023, with the proponents confident they will be able to navigate the pressures other construction projects are experiencing in the overheated market.

The mixed-use proposal is one of at least five major developments earmarked for the strip worth a combined $350 million, the majority of which are currently sitting with the state’s expedited planning pathway awaiting approval.

But the site has been earmarked for redevelopment for the better half of a decade, with the proponent having received approval to build a five-storey development back in 2015.

That approval subsequently lapsed.

The land has remained in the hands of BWC Corp since it snapped it up at auction back in 2003 for $4 million.