# Refurbisment | Observation City | Mixed Use

[chrisaus]

www.observationcitysite.com.au

[chrisaus]

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[chrisaus]

OBSERVATION CITY SITE REDEVELOPMENT
Revitalising Scarborough’s Foreshore

Exciting plans to redevelop WA’s Observation City site in Scarborough have been lodged with the City of Stirling for development approval.

The $120 million redevelopment is expected to be the catalyst for a total revitalisation of the Scarborough precinct.

The Straits Trading Company Limited, owners of Rendezvous Observation City, engaged leading planners, architects and landscape architects, HASSELL to carefully craft a development plan that will transform the existing hotel into luxury residences and see the construction of an upmarket boutique hotel and new commercial precinct.

The existing Rendezvous Observation City Hotel will comprise 102 permanent one, two and three bedroom apartments. A further 10 townhouse-style residences will be constructed on the north western part of the site.

A newly constructed eight-level hotel to be built on the southern edge of the site, fronting West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road, will feature 142 luxuriously appointed rooms.

New life will also be injected into the beachfront with the establishment of new cafés, restaurants and retail outlets along The Esplanade, making for a more lively, safer environment.

[chrisaus]

Contact Details

Phone:
1800 819 912

Fax:
08 9228 1970

Email:
obcitysite@millswilson.com.au

Post:
PO Box 448
Leederville
Western Australia 6903

[GAbE27]

Where are the bikini clad women?? Thats it take this whole development back to the drawing board!! Maybe thats why it doesnt have a very beach feel to it???

[chrisaus]

City of Stirling Administration Centre | 25 Cedric Street Stirling WA 6021
PECIAL MEETING OF ELECTORS

7pm, Monday, 10 March 2008

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 5.29 of the Local Government Act 1995, a Special Meeting of Electors chaired by His Worship the Mayor, Councillor D Boothman, will be held on Monday, 10 March 2008 commencing at 7.00pm in the City of Stirling Reception Hall, 25 Cedric Street, Stirling.
This special meeting will be held in response to an elector's petition requesting withdrawal of the City of Stirling Town Planning Scheme Amendment 458 from consideration by the West Australian Planning Commission and requesting the Council to reconsider the compliance of Amendment 458 with the State Planning Policy 2.6, State Coastal Planning policy, review parking requirements, review the cash contribution by developers and review the increased height allowed by the White Sands site.
Any enquiries may be directed to the City's Council Support Coordinator, Elissa Thomas, on 9345 8520.
Stuart Jardine
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

[basics]

This special meeting will be held in response to an elector's petition requesting withdrawal of the City of Stirling Town Planning Scheme Amendment 458 from consideration by the West Australian Planning Commission and requesting the Council to reconsider the compliance of Amendment 458 with the State Planning Policy 2.6, State Coastal Planning policy, review parking requirements, review the cash contribution by developers and review the increased height allowed by the White Sands site.


All I read was "Waaaaaah, waaaaaaah, waaaaaaaaah!"

[Ipggi]

I might as well convert the other PDF images.

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[Scraperfan]

I hope there is going to be a significant landscaping and pavement uprade with this.

I think the council will milk the amenity improvements out of the developer, there is too much money to be made from this for them to can it if the council gets over zealous with the requests.

For starters I would like to see the bitumen road in front of the complex replaced with paving.

[Auxodium]

Auxodium's Response


http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9517/aerialperspective1ub4.png (http://imageshack.us)

[Citystyle]

Average. Reduce the economic scale and reduce the quality.

[Maelstrom]

I'm quite impressed. It's nothing spectacular, the highrise is already there, but it's better than nothing and wil hopefully scare the bogans away.

[dallastexjr]

Yeah I really like it. Will modernise Scarborough - bring it kicking and screaming out of the eighties. Personally I've never particularly like Scabs, preferred Cott myself.

[Dilaz89]

yeah, I really do hope that future scarborough will change perceptions of beachfront development, particually with the next generation.

[GAbE27]

:lol:Auxodium's Response


http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9517/aerialperspective1ub4.png (http://imageshack.us)

:lol: Yeh why not?? You remember how much controversy there was when they build the 1st tower??! Someone even tried to blow it up... Im not joking either!! I think that guy is outta jail soon and he might try it again!!!

[Scraperfan]

Auxodium's Response


http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9517/aerialperspective1ub4.png (http://imageshack.us)
lol aux.

looking at the above though, i think they should move the street away from the shopping area to create a much wider pedestrian promenade for alfresco all the way along.

eat into the carpark section a bit hey.

could add fountains and sculptures etc along the widened footpath.

[dallastexjr]

From WA Business News online

Observation City redevelopment plans revealed
4-March-08 by Jenelle Carter

Ambitious redevelopment plans for Scarborough's landmark Rendezvous Observation City site have now been lodged with the City of Stirling for development approval.

As revealed by WA Business News last year, an upmarket, eight-level boutique hotel is planned for the southern end of the site fronting West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road.

The $120 million plan, designed by planning and architectural firm HASSELL, features a 142-room hotel, function and meeting facilities, a restaurant, café and an elevated 'infinity pool' facing the beachfront.

The existing 18-storey hotel will be completely gutted to incorporate 102 one, two and three bedroom apartments alongside resident tennis courts, a gymnasium and pool.

Four penthouses are proposed for the top two levels of the apartment tower, with a further 10, two-storey townhouses earmarked for the north western part of the site.

A two-storey commercial component is also proposed for The Esplanade comprising retail, restaurant, gymnasium and day-spa uses.

The Observation City Hotel became the Singapore-based Straits Trading Company's first property acquisition in Australia when it paid $45.5 million for the complex in March 1994, significantly less than the $140 million entrepreneur Alan Bond spent to build it in the wake of his 1983 America's Cup win.

With Observation City's glory days long over and stringent five-star hotel standards harder to maintain, it is understood The Straits Trading Company had little choice but to start from scratch.

It has twice refurbished the 333-room hotel, the last makeover occurring in 2005.

The Straits Trading Company president and chief executive Norman Ip said the proposed development would create a vibrant and friendlier foreshore area.

Mr Ip said the plans were in keeping with the City of Stirling's Master Plan for the area and its Scarborough Environs Area Strategy.

"We have been liaising closely with the City of Stirling and other stakeholders to ensure this redevelopment meets with the government and community's expectations for such an iconic location," he said.

"We believe the redevelopment will be the catalyst for an entire revitalisation of the Scarborough precinct - making it a premier destination for residents, beach-lovers, tourists and the general community."

The City of Stirling is now considering the plans with public submissions encouraged by a March 28 deadline.

The first artist's impressions are available on the redevelopment website at www.observationcitysite.com.au.



An announcement from Straits Trading Company Ltd is pasted below:

Detailed plans for a total transformation of Scarborough's Observation City site have been lodged with the City of Stirling for development approval.

Site owners, The Straits Trading Company Limited, believe the $120 million redevelopment will inject much-needed new life into the area, making it a popular year-round destination for locals, residents and tourists alike.

Under the proposal, an upmarket, eight-level boutique hotel will be built on the southern end of the site fronting West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road.

The existing Rendezvous Observation City Hotel will comprise 102 luxury one, two and three bedroom residences, with resident tennis courts, a gymnasium and pool. A further 10 townhouse-style residences will be constructed on the north western part of the site.

The Straits Trading Company President and Chief Executive Officer Norman Ip said the proposed development - which also includes two levels of restaurants, cafes and life-style shops and retail outlets along The Esplanade - would breathe new life into the Scarborough community and create a vibrant and friendlier foreshore area.

"We believe the redevelopment will be the catalyst for an entire revitalisation of the Scarborough precinct - making it a premier destination for residents, beach-lovers, tourists and the general community," Mr Ip said.

"The area will be more family friendly and offer cafes, shopping and recreation opportunities - and of course provide a perfect gateway to a world-class beach."

Mr Ip said the enhanced local area, new hotel, residences and commercial uses will create terrific opportunities for the local economy as well as a more diverse experience for the community.

"The economic opportunities of this development for Scarborough and the wider local area can't be underestimated."

"The new boutique hotel is a significant investment in the tourist economy of Scarborough, encouraging more local, interstate and international visitors to the local area."

"This, coupled with the planned new commercial uses on offer, will further provide unheralded local employment opportunities and increased viability for local businesses."

Mr Ip said the plans were in keeping with the City of Stirling's Master Plan for the area and its Scarborough Environs Area Strategy.

"We have been liaising closely with the City of Stirling and other stakeholders to ensure this redevelopment meets with the Government and communities' expectations for such an iconic location."

"We're confident that the proposed development will further enhance the City's investment in public infrastructure along the Scarborough beachfront," Mr Ip said.

The plans, which were developed by leading planning and architectural firm HASSELL, are now being considered by the City of Stirling.

The first artist's impressions of what the redevelopment will look like have been released and are available on the redevelopment website at www.observationcitysite.com.au



The Straits Trading Company is a listed company on the Singapore Stock Exchange that includes Rendezvous Hotels International Private Limited in its diverse group of subsidiaries and associated companies.

It was incorporated in Singapore on 8 November 1887. Backed by 119 years of prudent business management, the corporation is a very successful investment holding company with business interests spanning the Asia Pacific region.

In Australia, the company has long-established investments in hotels and hotel management, real estate, mining resources and quoted securities.

The company has a history of responsible property and hotel developments that demonstrate outstanding commitment to best practice in urban planning, design and environmental management.

The Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts International group currently operates across 12 centres in the Asia Pacific region including Perth, Broome, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Port Douglas.

[Ipggi]

To me Scarborough has been up until now a totally wasted opportunity for Perth. High-rise isn't really the issue, its street activation. That always has been lacking at the beaches like Scarborough. This development brings this issue to the forefront and hopefully will stir other future developments to include extensive street level retail to flow on around this.

Imagine if all the yellow marks were strip-street level retail? Scarborough would be a totally different beach then what it is today, maybe even famous? Currently most of it is wasted on sporadic private complexes and dwellings. Though at least there is some possible future development sites to continue the trend once this project is complete.

http://www.civbox.com/x/scar.jpg

[jackso]

142 Hotel rooms will not be enough.
Maybe if soem of the other developemtts (contacio, BP etc) include quality accomidation ti will be ok though.

[desperaterobots]

Interesting picture Ipggi. I've never, ever gone to Scarborough except to see some bands at the White Sands. Would the highway detract from the development of a great pedestrian environment? It would basically be a row of shops looking out at the ocean, no traffic... Not sure it would 'buzz' like you'd want it too. Also the place is rubbish in winter!

[Perth4life]

maybe this will kickstart things for scaborough?

no hope for cottesloe what so ever.

[Ipggi]

Interesting picture Ipggi. I've never, ever gone to Scarborough except to see some bands at the White Sands. Would the highway detract from the development of a great pedestrian environment? It would basically be a row of shops looking out at the ocean, no traffic... Not sure it would 'buzz' like you'd want it too. Also the place is rubbish in winter!

I don't think so, there are plenty of examples of strip shopping running long major roads around the country. Bondi is a good example where the shops run along a 4 lane road (Campbell Parade) located away from the actual beach itself. Queen Elizabeth Dr shown below is nothing more then car parking like Scarbs.

<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=bondi+sydney&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;s=AARTsJoib99QgamrJsX4QDzBC4vXqc3ieA&amp;ll=-33.890617,151.274614&amp;spn=0.004275,0.006866&amp;z=17&amp;output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=bondi+sydney&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;t=h&amp;ll=-33.890617,151.274614&amp;spn=0.004275,0.006866&amp;z=17&amp;source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

[Citystyle]

Yeah I really like it. Will modernise Scarborough - bring it kicking and screaming out of the eighties. Personally I've never particularly like Scabs, preferred Cott myself.

The polished turd looks better considering where it's come from. The issue will be the new buildings esp the Hotel rendezvous.

[matt_sbs]

Definately needed, although i'l expect a massive outcry by the nimbys in the area.

[Auxodium]

agreed but my proposal is better :p

[desperaterobots]

I guess the difference with Bondi is that it benefits from relatively high density housing around the whole place, not to mention the beaches popularity amongst locals and tourists alike what since it's so damn scenic. And the road there takes a lot of traffic right along past the beach, whereas Scarbrough beach is sort of a road-to-nowhere.

But point taken that a row of shops facing the beach can work well!

[BartBart]

Definately needed, although i'l expect a massive outcry by the nimbys in the area.

I'm in Doubleview + I am all for it. It (and future possible developments) will actually add to my view - so I am not going to complain!

[RocStar]

Very nice. Hopefully the stigma associated with OC will disappear now. Luv the pool facade!

http://www.civbox.org/x/Perspective4.png

[Scraperfan]

I cant wait to see the cranes and scaffolding on site for these.

[KamikazeTaxi]

I heard on the radio that the 'Save Our Sunset' action group has broken up due to frustraton in dealing with the City of Stirling...

Oh dear...what a terrible shame... :)

[samboy]

I heard on the radio that the 'Save Our Sunset' action group has broken up due to frustraton in dealing with the City of Stirling...

Oh dear...what a terrible shame... :)

or perhaps they have introduced bingo night down at the rsl hall. They have more important things to do like gamble and die.

[Maelstrom]

^^ Hehehe.

SoS were the lamest 'community action group' known to man. It was so obvious that every member was a half arsed yokel who was only getting mildly involved because their neighbours were and the TV cameras were focused on them.

I'll miss them though. They gave us some good laughs....

[KamikazeTaxi]

I seem to recall a while back several members of this board expressing their opion on the SOS bulletin board...ahhh...the good old days...

Maybe this is a sign that Perth is finally growing up..?

[Dilaz89]

rejoice! Hopefully they have a debt just like those coogee people.

[Auxodium]

I seem to recall a while back several members of this board expressing their opion on the SOS bulletin board...ahhh...the good old days...

Maybe this is a sign that Perth is finally growing up..?

i was on the SOS site lol, spewing pro development rhetoric like the once mighty USSR lol.

[BartBart]

or perhaps they have introduced bingo night down at the rsl hall. They have more important things to do like gamble and die.

You might be closer to the mark than you know with the Bingo Hall in Bayswater shutting down for good soon.

[BartBart]

:lol:

:lol: Yeh why not?? You remember how much controversy there was when they build the 1st tower??! Someone even tried to blow it up... Im not joking either!! I think that guy is outta jail soon and he might try it again!!!

Wasn't the original plan when Observation City was built for there to have been 6-8 of them in a block?

[Auxodium]

oh dear glad they didnt, although 8 of them in a modern 2008 context would be fantastic!

[Scraperfan]

Mullaloo Progress Association has also been slapped with a $66000 fine from the City of Joonnddalup. :)

[Auxodium]

why is that? is there an article about it? :S

[Scribbler]

From today's West

Anti high-rise action group folds
DANIEL HATCH

The coastal action group which has fought high-rise development in Scarborough has folded, as the community faces a $120 million eight-storey development next to Observation City.

Save Our Sunsets chairman John Keall said the group had disbanded because there was no point fighting multi-storey developments in Scarborough after the City of Stirling last year rezoned the coastal strip to allow eight to 12-storey buildings.

The Scarborough coast would gradually, block by block, become high rise, Mr Keall said.

On Tuesday, developer Straits Trading Company Ltd released its plans for a multi-storey hotel beside Rendezvous Observation City.

The plan includes redeveloping the old hotel into 100 luxury apartments surrounded by restaurants, cafes and shops facing the Esplanade.

But anti high-rise sentiment remains in the community and Scarborough and Districts Progress Association president Jeff Fogarty yesterday claimed the developer and council had failed to consult the community on the plan, which would destroy the lifestyle many residents moved to Scarborough to enjoy.

Next week, ratepayers will meet Stirling council to ask it to revisit its decision to allow multi-storey buildings. Public comment closes on March 28.

[GAbE27]

claimed the developer and council had failed to consult the community on the plan, which would destroy the lifestyle many residents moved to Scarborough to enjoy...

Ok.. so by having a vibrant spot in there community it will be a massive buzz kill for them huh??! There is so many feelings inside me but I dont have enough words to express them...

Hang on i think "Fuck off!!" will be adequate...

[Dilaz89]

don't get worked up over this one. It has every chance of bieng approved.

[BartBart]

From today's West

Anti high-rise action group folds
DANIEL HATCH

The coastal action group which has fought high-rise development in Scarborough has folded, as the community faces a $120 million eight-storey development next to Observation City.

Save Our Sunsets chairman John Keall said the group had disbanded because there was no point fighting multi-storey developments in Scarborough after the City of Stirling last year rezoned the coastal strip to allow eight to 12-storey buildings.

The Scarborough coast would gradually, block by block, become high rise, Mr Keall said.

On Tuesday, developer Straits Trading Company Ltd released its plans for a multi-storey hotel beside Rendezvous Observation City.

The plan includes redeveloping the old hotel into 100 luxury apartments surrounded by restaurants, cafes and shops facing the Esplanade.

But anti high-rise sentiment remains in the community and Scarborough and Districts Progress Association president Jeff Fogarty yesterday claimed the developer and council had failed to consult the community on the plan, which would destroy the lifestyle many residents moved to Scarborough to enjoy.

Next week, ratepayers will meet Stirling council to ask it to revisit its decision to allow multi-storey buildings. Public comment closes on March 28.

I wonder if the mention in this thread earlier was a tip off for the story?

[GAbE27]

don't get worked up over this one. It has every chance of bieng approved.

Im not worried about the fate of the development, but i am worried about people's mind sets. Then how they process logic and then dribble it down there chins!!:ohno:

[crave]

From today's West

Anti high-rise action group folds
DANIEL HATCH

The Scarborough coast would gradually, block by block, become high rise, Mr Keall said.



lol.

[Auxodium]

hahaha! he is a comedian!


i wish the current proposal was taller :( lol

[GAbE27]

hahaha! he is a comedian!


i wish the current proposal was taller :( lol

I wish there was more density... A la Bondi!! Then they could have a cool rescue show at scrabs... "Saved from the garlic sauce at the kabab shop!!" :lol:

[Auxodium]

i like it! That would be awesome :P


hey i love garlic, take that back!

[GAbE27]

don't get worked up over this one. It has every chance of bieng approved.

I think its been canned!! I seen it the the west, mind you I was reading it upside down so I may be wrong... But i think Alana killed it!!:bash:

[Scraperfan]

you shouldnt post things like that without being sure.

[perthgazer]

Allanah says she's going to try and stop the conversion of the hotel into apartments

She says that the number of rooms shouldn't be cut by a third when the hotel apparently already charges high rates and has a high occupancy rate

[Dilaz89]

jesus, that's bieng too fascist now.

If she is so concearned then she should allow the new hotel to be bigger. Also, should the hotel just close down and sit there doing nothing, than a reevelopment will have to be pushed through.

[chrisaus]

Today had be baffled, Alana first talking about blocking this development, then changing subdivisions minimum from 900 square metres to 1000 square meters, as a big supporter of Alana I'm not very happy at all with today’s announcements.

[Dilaz89]

the sbudivisons things has ben blowed out of porportion. Local councils can change their desnsities to r25 and 30 to achieve subdivisions.

[perthgazer]

What it does is force councils to increase zonings to R25 R30 R40 etc

Im sure she knows what she's doing, she's just repeated her war on sprawl thing.

Im sure its just The West being f*ckwits, I honestly dont believe a word they write

[chrisaus]

the sbudivisons things has ben blowed out of porportion. Local councils can change their desnsities to r25 and 30 to achieve subdivisions.

Most local councils are dead set against increasing densities, though, I can't see many councils changing their zoning

[Dilaz89]

then theyll be forced as per the ministers agenda.

[QV1ismytemple]

What it does is force councils to increase zonings to R25 R30 R40 etc

Im sure she knows what she's doing, she's just repeated her war on sprawl thing.

Im sure its just The West being f*ckwits, I honestly dont believe a word they write

It is literally removing an anomaly. It is procedural but it does seem rather unecessary: Why bother tidying up the concession if density zonings can just be increased for that area for the same net affect?

Council's can rezone to allow infill (and there will be a lot of pressure on them to do so - both from State planning principles and from residents who want to subdivide. It's not the end of suburban strata blocks, etc.

[crave]

I can't see many councils changing their zoning

this is tha problem with perth... it's no no no. someone has to push.

[desperaterobots]

I don't understand Allanah's objection to the hotel -> residential conversion. Could someone elaborate on the underlying reason she objects to this, aside from 'if I ran this hotel I'd never do this'?

[Matt B]

I'd imagine there would be heaps of tourism related lobby groups who want as big a hotel as possible. I'd imagine they don;t want ob city converted and replaced with a smaller hotel. you can;t underestimate the power of sma,ll lobby groups with party political connections.

[AndyGM]

Yeah it has to do with the tourism implications. The city is already struggling with a lack of hotel rooms and this will just make it worse.

[Scraperfan]

This is like killing the chicken before it can lay the egg.

As long as you can get some certainty in the planning laws, you can build more hotels on that stretch.

[desperaterobots]

Ah I didn't consider that. I knew city hotel vacancies were tight, I forgot people would actually stay in Ob City. Sounds to me like a good reason to approve a new beachside hotel... ;D

[dallastexjr]

Anyone know why, with all the new ritzy stores opening in Perth, a bunch of high profile hotels like Shangri-La haven't aren't planning on opening here in the near future? Sorry if this is only vaguely related to the Ob City redevelopment.

[Dilaz89]

anythings possible.

There are provisions for a 6 star hotel on the foreshore or NB link.

[Ipggi]

Anyone know why, with all the new ritzy stores opening in Perth, a bunch of high profile hotels like Shangri-La haven't aren't planning on opening here in the near future? Sorry if this is only vaguely related to the Ob City redevelopment.

The only reason I can see is that the luxury hotel brands are not willing to commit to large, new construction in Perth. There hasn't been a new, large, city hotel (service apartments don't count) built from scratch for a very long time?

Shangri-La is still a non existent brand outside of Asia at the moment and they only have 2 hotels in Australia. Sydney and Cairns.
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/findahotel

[GAbE27]

anythings possible.

There are provisions for a 6 star hotel on the foreshore or NB link.

1st they need to get the other 4 and 5 star hotels up to scratch!!! I stayed at 3 star hotel in Hong Kong and it was seriously 100 times better then the Hyatt and Ob city put together!!! Aussie hotels have NO idea!!

[WAuzzie]

aren't the star ratings global?

[BartBart]

I think Observation City would remain a hotel if there was the possibility in building a similar sized building in the area, but because there isn't much chance of that happening they are thinking that they can make use of the shell of the one that is already there to make $.

[Ipggi]

aren't the star ratings global?

Official star ratings are done by AAA and affiliates. Not all hotels choose to be reviewed though, the Parmelia Hilton Perth is a good example of a so--called luxury hotel with no star rating.

Star ratings are more about facilities and services provided then class or luxury. So you can have an older 80's hotel with a high star rating and then you could have a new, designer, boutique hotel which doesn't offer the same services and so it would have a lesser rating.

[WAuzzie]

i believe parmelia is 4.5 stars ..
yea i know what you mean, however more often then not you can judge a hotel based on its stars. like a place wouldnt have valet parking but not airconditioning in rooms or something hah.

[docker]

this might have something to do with the governments oppostion to the renovations

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/1456/gradphoto028og4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[chrisaus]

Ob City revamp shut down

Chris Thomson

A shadow has been cast over the future of Scarborough's Observation City complex after a planned $120 million revamp was rejected by a Stirling City Council committee last night.

"Straits Trading Company is surprised and disappointed and was in meetings today deciding on the future of its proposal," Marie Mills, a spokeswoman for the project's Singapore-based developer, said today.

Chair of Stirling council's Planning and Development Committee John Italiano said the facelift did not include enough hotel or retail space to ensure Scarborough's survival as a prime tourism spot.

"We're trying to get more people down there and that's not going to happen under the current proposal," Councillor Italiano said.

"Most of the retail, and lots of hotel accommodation, are going to be taken up by fulltime accommodation.

"If there aren't going to be retail areas, what are visitors going to do?"

The proposal would see the building's 333 existing hotel rooms converted into 102 luxury apartments.

The pyramid-topped building at the south of the complex would be demolished and replaced by an eight-level hotel fronting West Coast highway and Scarborough Beach Road.

The new hotel would have only 142 rooms, 191 less than the current number.

The State Government's tourism promotion arm said approving the new building in its current form would be "devastating" for the seaside suburb.

"Hotel occupancy rates have never been higher and there is a clear opportunity for Perth as a whole, and Scarborough in particular, in the current economic climate," Tourism Western Australia chairman Kate Lamont said.

"Scarborough could potentially become the jewel in the crown in terms of tourism along the Perth coast.

"The current plans would be devastating for Scarborough, where we know there's a strong demand for tourism accommodation."

Long controversial for its domination of the coastal skyline, Observation City was the Straits Trading Company's first property acquisition in Australia.

he company paid $45.5 million for the complex in March 1994 - significantly less than the $140 million entrepreneur Alan Bond spent building the it in the wake of his 1983 America's Cup win.

While the company has twice refurbished the building, several of the building's commercial shopfronts are empty and parts of its beige exterior look jaded.

Ms Lamont said she was "not concerned" the redevelopment's stalling would delay Scarborough's revitalisation.

"I believe it will only be a short term delay," she said.

"I have absolute faith that it can again become a premium hotel reminiscent of its heyday."

The council committee rejected the proposal five councillors to two.

Each of Stirling's 14 councillors will get a chance to endorse or overturn the committee recommendation at the next full council meeting on August 5.

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/ob-city-revamp-shut-down-20080723-3jno.html

[Dilaz89]

fair enough on the councils part. I'm sure developers could fit in more accomodation and retail stores.

[AndyGM]

Wow, Stirling Council was actually good for something....

[Scraperfan]

An exterior refurb is expensive, Im not sure how that can happen without a conversion to apartments.

Their occupancy will remain the same whether they do an outside facelift or not.

Maybe they will opt to build a new apartment tower as the 8 level.

[Dilaz89]

this is partly the governments fault for thier stupid 8lv height limit i might add.

Mayby they can build a second residential tower on the northern side and keep ob city as hotel.

[Scraperfan]

Yeh where those town houses were going to go.

Isnt it silly though, the planning decisions of the past are totally to blame for the run down state of scarborough.

If there were no height limits on that 1km stretch, you would see a humming area with new facilities, full shops and tons of vibrancy.

Instead you have run down 1980s buildings, vacant shops and anti-social behaviour.

8 level limits only create a wall effect like we now see in south perth on the peninsula. its totally uniform and ugly, as every developer seeks to maximise the width and height allowed.

With a 16 storey limit, developers dont max out the width, so ocean glimpses are retained and the buildings are more spaced.

this issue and peoples failure to understand it really makes me mad like nothing else. im fuming even now after typing this.

[aaronaugi1]

this is partly the governments fault for thier stupid 8lv height limit i might add.

Mayby they can build a second residential tower on the northern side and keep ob city as hotel.

I'd rather they target the southern side. The shopping centre there is a dangerous waste of space for the amount of land it takes up. Yes dangerous. I'm not sure of the owner of the site but it would be prime for another major hotel, mixed with apartments and retail.

The whole 500m-1km radius around the intersection of West Coast Hwy and Scarb Beach Road is the pits. The result of two decades of shit hole decisions made by land owners and the city. Like why the hell is there a BP on such a major intersection and adjacent to on of the states premier hotels. The whole area is disjointed and isolated. Its pathetic.

I wish i had a bulldozer.

[Dilaz89]

I think that BP site has a 12lv development in the pipeline. That side of west coast highway doesn't fall into the 300m zone.

As for the luna site, if I showed you a render of the knocked-back proposal you'd probably cry.

Wouldn't have a clue whats happening with it now.

[aaronaugi1]

I think that BP site has a 12lv development in the pipeline. That side of west coast highway doesn't fall into the 300m zone.

As for the luna site, if I showed you a render of the knocked-back proposal you'd probably cry.

Wouldn't have a clue whats happening with it now.

Luna seriously has IMO, probably one of the greatest single site development opportunities in the city. Tourist location, large site, on the beachfront. However it is seriously isolated by West Coast Highway. It has one of the quietest Coles i've ever been too.

Whoever approved a fuel station on the intersection should burn for it. I hope some form of development goes through, 12lv or not.

btw, i'd love to see the proposal so i have something to take along to the next council meeting.

[Dilaz89]

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/508/18mw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[aaronaugi1]

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/508/18mw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

fuck you SOS and Stirling.

I'd love to see the whole site mixed-residential and accomodation with all the retail moved to the otherside of WC Hwy.

What about a casino?It has all the need componants. Hotels, retail, tourist hub, a few bars, existing restaurants. Entertainment/residential hub on one side, retail on the other.

[JWPJ]

I'm starting to think my ISP is blocking some part of Imageshack; no matter what I do I can't connect to and download/view the image... It tells me "connection failed". Any ideas?

Speaking as someone who lives relatively close to the area I have to say I'd like to see that Luna site re-done, it's always seemed kinda dingy to me... Though, I think what I'd really like to see is the area become a tourist and social hub, then bring back a proper Luna Park... just 'cause...

[RocStar]

fuck you SOS and Stirling.



Amen brother. The car park in the foreground fits well into the area.


..Fuck you SOS and Stirling!!

[aaronaugi1]

Amen brother. The car park in the foreground fits well into the area.


..Fuck you SOS and Stirling!!

although i understand the hidden agenda of SOS (supposed drop in property values) they try and promote themselves as an environmental and social group...but why does this 1km strip of coastline need so much protection when there are millions more across the state. I can't believe they are even mentioned at council meetings.

[PerthSM]

I agree with the council on this one... A place like scarbs should be for people on a holiday staying at and having a great time (ie. everybody)... not for people considerably richer than me to have a place on the beach. Develop it as much as you like, but it should be a hotel, not residential.

[alvse]

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/508/18mw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

OMG!!!!!... the shadows!!!!! they are invaiding the streets!!!!!

:bash:



:lol:

[Ipggi]

I agree with the council on this one... A place like scarbs should be for people on a holiday staying at and having a great time (ie. everybody)... not for people considerably richer than me to have a place on the beach. Develop it as much as you like, but it should be a hotel, not residential.

Yes the question is though. Is there a need for a 333 room, run down 4.5 star hotel with a bad reputation in a shabby and dodgy suburb such as Scarborough; which has average transportation links and is nearly a 15km drive or a $28 taxi fare (http://www.swantaxis.com.au/quote.php?suburb_1=Scarborough&suburb_2=Perth&pax=&step_2=yes) to St Georges Terrace?

[JWPJ]

I don't think I would have called Scarborough "dodgy". But you have to agree with the residents to some extent, the one large development that has been allowed is a butt-ugly off-white monolith...

[Dilaz89]

it was cool when it was designed in the early 80's. Some of their shitty houses are butt ugly cancer-like building too but you don't see me complaining.

[PerthSM]

Yes the question is though. Is there a need for a 333 room, run down 4.5 star hotel with a bad reputation in a shabby and dodgy suburb such as Scarborough; which has average transportation links and is nearly a 15km drive or a $28 taxi fare (http://www.swantaxis.com.au/quote.php?suburb_1=Scarborough&suburb_2=Perth&pax=&step_2=yes) to St Georges Terrace?

But surely building a new modern hotel would attract the punters??

[Scraperfan]

The beach will always be a drawcard, the beach will always be the beach.

however there are no incentives for builders with such restrictive building laws.

[aaronaugi1]

Yes the question is though. Is there a need for a 333 room, run down 4.5 star hotel with a bad reputation in a shabby and dodgy suburb such as Scarborough; which has average transportation links and is nearly a 15km drive or a $28 taxi fare (http://www.swantaxis.com.au/quote.php?suburb_1=Scarborough&suburb_2=Perth&pax=&step_2=yes) to St Georges Terrace?

i'm sure many thought the same thing when there were plans for East Perth, Midland and Armadale.

[Ipggi]

But surely building a new modern hotel would attract the punters??

Yes, but there was an article posted recently (in relation to Stamford Hotels and Dynons Plaza) on the topic of Perth's room shortage. They said while there is a lack of rooms in Perth, the room rates being charged are too low so developers can't justify building new, large and expensive hotels. As it doesn't make a sound investment.

[Ipggi]

i'm sure many thought the same thing when there were plans for East Perth, Midland and Armadale.

Yes but this is different due to the fanatical nimbyism involved, which goes all the way to the state government.

[samboy]

Yes, but there was an article posted recently (in relation to Stamford Hotels and Dynons Plaza) on the topic of Perth's room shortage. They said while there is a lack of rooms in Perth, the room rates being charged are too low so developers can't justify building new, large and expensive hotels. As it doesn't make a sound investment.


I think more to the point, real estate prices are too high for what they can charge. It's similar to everything else in perth I suppose, artificially overpriced due to the short supply and lack of competition (compared to the east) yet the standard and quality is far inferior to what you get elsewhere.

[Ipggi]

See I disagree Samboy. I don't think it is really real estate prices but rather construction costs and low room rates. As there are plenty of existing 4 and 5 star hotels who do not need to invest in the land (such as the Hilton); yet choose not to upgrade their hotels to east coast or world standards. If hotel rates were higher, then I am sure there would be supply to cater for that market.

According to Wotif the full rate for the Hilton in Sydney and Melbourne is AU$595. Adelaide is $430. Brisbane is $435. Cairns is $400.

The full rate for the Hilton in Perth is AU$395.

[andrewM]

I worked at Obs city for around 8 years in the pub and nightclub (before and after the rest of the hotel opened) and could never understand Scarborough's attraction..average beach divorced from the shops/restaraunts by endless car parks which is alienated from the rest of the suburb by West Coast Highway..an abortion of asphalt. No style or substance. Those development look nice but dont address this underlying failure. Sink West coast highway from the Sands to the end of the multi story car park to the north, creating a plaza. Run a light rail link from Glendalough. Create a continuous South-North pedestrian thoroughfare on the beach side with appropriate low level shops/apartments/serviced apartments. remove the car parks from the front of Obs city

Push those larger development to the other side of WC highway (eg get rid of the service station) with a smaller say 6 level development on the western side. Definitely get rid of the Luna shopping centre and the small one next to the service station

If I had the time I'd draw up a concept to explain this better but the Rugby is far more exciting at the moment

[samboy]

yeah I meant to say cost (including construction etc).

[samboy]

I agree Andrew. Goto Coogee, Bondi and to some extent Manly and you realise Scarbs is boring as batshit. Yeah great there's a long stretch of sandy beach that the others don't have but why do I care?? I only take up space the size of my towel...what good is an endless coastline to me? There's no street activation no real shops no vibrancy no nothing!! Sterile, lifeless beach with a strip of grass and a massive carpark!!! Then again that is Perth, all the natural attractions but lifeless.

[samboy]

MacTiernan throws Ob City a lifeline
Chris Thomson
September 12, 2008

The proposed re-development of Observation City.

A scuppered $120 million revamp of Scarborough's Observation City complex has been thrown a lifeline by WA planning and infrastructure minister Alannah MacTiernan.

Ms MacTiernan has used "call-in" provisions of the Planning and Development Act to wrest approval powers for the contentious development from the state's largest local authority.

On August 5, Stirling City Council rejected a bid by the Singapore-based Straits Trading Company to convert the hotel's existing 333 hotel rooms into 102 luxury apartments.

Straits also wants to demolish the pyramid-topped building at the south of the complex and replace it with an eight-level hotel fronting West Coast highway and Scarborough Beach Road.

In March, Ms MacTiernan had said the revamp plans did not include enough hotel accommodation to ensure Scarborough's survival as a tourism hotspot.

She said Straits' arguments that the hotel was not viable were invalid because the company charged up to $600 a night for rooms and had a high occupancy rate.

The new development would have only 142 hotel rooms, 191 less than the current number.

In the State Administrative Tribunal today, Straits appealed the city's rejection of its plans.

Stirling council lawyer Andrew Roberts asked Senior Member David Parry to convene a confidential mediation hearing involving Straits, the WA Planning Commission and the city's 14 councillors.

Long controversial for its domination of the coastal skyline, Observation City was Straits' first property acquisition in Australia.

The company paid $45.5 million for the complex in March 1994 - much less than the $140 million entrepreneur Alan Bond spent building it in the wake of his 1983 America's Cup win.

While the company has twice refurbished the building, several of the complex's commercial shopfronts are empty and parts of its beige exterior look jaded.

Due to the uncertain WA election outcome, nobody knows if Ms MacTiernan will be in government when it comes time to make the final decision, let alone if she will retain her portfolio.

Although an as-yet unnamed minister will make the final planning decision, Mr Roberts said local councillor involvement was essential.

"If there's to be a change of heart, it will have to be by elected members," he told Mr Parry.

Mr Parry approved a confidential five-hour mediation hearing for the city's Cedric Street chambers from 6pm on October 15.

"It will be a long night," Mr Parry said.

[muney]

I agree Andrew. Goto Coogee, Bondi and to some extent Manly and you realise Scarbs is boring as batshit. Yeah great there's a long stretch of sandy beach that the others don't have but why do I care?? I only take up space the size of my towel...what good is an endless coastline to me? There's no street activation no real shops no vibrancy no nothing!! Sterile, lifeless beach with a strip of grass and a massive carpark!!! Then again that is Perth, all the natural attractions but lifeless.

Totally agree!!! bondi, manly, brighton..all nice beaches which have a social scene..scarbs has what??? dome...jimmy deans?? pathetic!
cottesloe has the right idea BUT i think it needs more highrise along marine parade..as if that will ever happen in this lifetime..WA..wait awhile

[Matt B]

well as of noonish today we can pretty much close this thread too:)

[Dilaz89]

If the liberals go by thier previous policy, the height limit will be raised to 16st.

[Matt B]

Well I'll happily stand corrected... But Is it not Constable's seat? I'd doubt she is a high rise fan...

[Dilaz89]

Scarborough is now its own seat with a Liberal sitting member Liza Harvey who is pro-highrise.

[Matt B]

Bring it on then! They could call a new hotel the OBH and pay for it with Royalties for Regions;)

[samboy]

see it's not all doom and gloom after all :)

[BartBart]

Scarborough is now its own seat with a Liberal sitting member Liza Harvey who is pro-highrise.

The Scarborough & Districts (Anti)Progress Association put a double-sided anti-Liza Harvey sheet in my letterbox during the campaign. Which could be a good sign.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=24976542&postcount=3040

[Scraperfan]

The libs could actually win back my favour by allowing 16st at scarborough.

[Ipggi]

The Libs might offer a few pro-highrise/business surprises now that they are in power and not trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator, which they had to do while in opposition. Guess we will just have to wait and see.

[ryan79]

The Libs might offer a few pro-highrise/business surprises now that they are in power and not trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator, which they had to do while in opposition. Guess we will just have to wait and see.

Hopefully.

Maybe they'll become the unpopular party that pushes the things through we need like this an maybe extended trading hours.

[aaronaugi1]

I dont think anything will get off the ground until a transport link is in place.

I'm in touch with a member of council at Stirling, who also sits on the planning committee.

Currently they're considering a risen mono-rail down Scarborough Beach Road as the best option to connect the beach with Glendalough/Stirling. Gosh they're screwy..

[Auxodium]

What the frak are the City of Stirling on? :S ARF?

[crave]

lol. mono-rail.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/9f10.png

[crave]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a206/crave1980/monorail.jpg

[Ipggi]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/TamaMonorail0841.jpg/800px-TamaMonorail0841.jpg

This, with a 415 passenger per train capacity certainly would be quicker then a tram and cheaper then a metro.

[ryan79]

AutoTram all the way!

[Scraperfan]

It would be nice to say Perth hd at least 1 monorail.

Im receptive to the idea at this stage. Renders and plans would be sweet.

so would these be called m-sets?

[Perth4life]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/TamaMonorail0841.jpg/800px-TamaMonorail0841.jpg

This, with a 415 passenger per train capacity certainly would be quicker then a tram and cheaper then a metro.

as if Perth would ever get anything like that, IMO monorails out of the city and just sticking out like dogs balls is an eyesore, how is it considered light rail? takes up so much room.

[aaronaugi1]

It would be nice to say Perth hd at least 1 monorail.

Im receptive to the idea at this stage. Renders and plans would be sweet.

so would these be called m-sets?


I doubt it will eventuate. Liz (Re) is really scepticle whether anything will happen with Scarborough until the Stephenson Highway business is sorted out.

With the Libs in and Liz Harvey sitting in the Scarborough seat i doubt we will see any transport improvements. Its not exactly lacking service atm.

My understanding is that the risen mono-rail is favoured because

a) Could act as a shuttle between Glendalough and the beach, while buses still operate on Scarborough Beach Road

b) Costs less, hopefully quieter

c) Tourist benefit

Basically, it is favoured because it will allow for a single monorail to operate unobstructed from one end to the other cutting travel time to less than 5mins...the usual trip is about 20mins.

Not sure how they'd negotiate Innaloo. Could be handy having a stop there.

[crave]

trams aren't noisy...

[Ipggi]

Lol they are when they are turning with the wheels are grinding against the tracks

[crave]

how many times will it turn on scarborough beach rd tho?

:p

come on.

[Skyline Art]

Found this relating to Perth, last paragraph on the page:
For some reason the site; page About Skyrail Transit Systems has chosen Perth, Gold Coast and Brisbane as the condendors for new monorail technologies.

QUOTE:
"This is the right technology for the Gold Goast, Brisbane and Perth regions. Please support us by writing to your local councillor and MP demanding new and better transport technology for your region."

http://www.monorails.com.au/

It has project maps and technology specifically aimed at Perth, GC & Brisbane (all seperate links) for lobbying etc all on there...

[samboy]

yeah but these guys are selling their own product. Of course they'll say it's great.

[ryan79]

Honestly though, Monorail?

I just can't get my head passed the Simpsons Monorail episode.

Autotram, seriously.

I'd only support monorail inner city. Maybe to replace CAT bus system. Would be much more efficient.

And why would GC need a monorail?

[Ipggi]

Ryan Cold Coast traffic gets really bad feeding into and along the beach strip, specially during the weekends in summer.

[ryan79]

Last time I was there, probably 5 years or so ago now, traffic didn't seem bad at all. Maybe thats changed.

[Scraperfan]

im starting to like the idea of a high speed monorail shuttle to scarborough beach.

5 minute travel time from the railway is pretty sweet.

[Dilaz89]

it wont happen. ever.

[samboy]

monorail is a gimmick and I can't see any council/govt whoever in perth investing in it.

[aaronaugi1]

im starting to like the idea of a high speed monorail shuttle to scarborough beach.

5 minute travel time from the railway is pretty sweet.

Me too. The initial light rail proposals offered very little different to what buses already provide.

The fact that its risen, would take up as much land area as a median-strip and only stop once or twice between each end of the route would be sweet.

90% of people using Scarborough Beach Road buses are either heading to the train station or beach. A shuttle makes sense.

@ Dilaz, i tend to agree with you...but whats your reasoning? Nimby? Opportunity Cost?

[Dilaz89]

It just doesn't seem feasible, especially if it's not going to stop along the way.

[aaronaugi1]

It just doesn't seem feasible, especially if it's not going to stop along the way.

As far as i know the monorail idea will mean retained bus services along Scarborough Beach Road to service those not travelling to the end destinations.

[Scraperfan]

think of it like a normal heavy rail route. we dont bash the northern line because it doesnt stop in gwelup and balcatta.

its an effective way to provide a high speed link between the train line and scarborough beach. would bring thousands more visitors per year to the area.

in fact, monorail could be the answer for connecting stations down heavy traffic routes such as thomas road?

[Citystyle]

it wont happen. ever.

That's not a good attitude.

[aaronaugi1]

think of it like a normal heavy rail route. we dont bash the northern line because it doesnt stop in gwelup and balcatta.

its an effective way to provide a high speed link between the train line and scarborough beach. would bring thousands more visitors per year to the area.

in fact, monorail could be the answer for connecting stations down heavy traffic routes such as thomas road?

To bad. monorails, traditionally are ugly as hell.

They need to work better with their environment. Thomas Road is a great idea and could feature a route into Kings Park. Imagine being 5m or so above the ground rolling through Kings Park. Wont damage the land and could be a major tourist attraction...a train through the trees...if only.

[Scraperfan]

yeh i was thinking that the poles would be tagged to hell in scarbs. :)

now you have my imagination going with a monorail down st georges terrace, with stations and links into the upper floors of the skyscrapers.

kind of a bit batman begins style.

[aaronaugi1]

yeh i was thinking that the poles would be tagged to hell in scarbs. :)

now you have my imagination going with a monorail down st georges terrace, with stations and links into the upper floors of the skyscrapers.

kind of a bit batman begins style.

i'd be for that. Not sure about those who believe in street level activation.

[ryan79]

Check out the DLR in London. Its a lot like that.