Developers backflip on four-storey stance for $8m hotel
Revised plans for Fremantle's first approved pod-style hotel — not to be confused with another that prominent hospitality leader Patrick Prendiville hopes to build nearby where restaurant Sailing For Oranges stands — have been submitted to the City of Fremantle.
The plans, which are available for public comment until July 4 via the My Say Freo website, show the LyLo chain now want their Essex Street development to rise just three storeys.
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Ironically, that's the height residents unsuccessfully demanded last year when the pod-hotel plan was put under the microscope multiple times through council and State planning approval processes.
LyLo blamed economic factors and WA's shortage of building materials and workers for the current changes.
'Development has not been progressed due to the recent economic climate, building limitations and material shortages,' the application from LyLo's planners said.
'The proponents ... now propose a three-storey tourist accommodation with 263 beds, as opposed to the previous four-storey 247-bed development.
'We respectfully request that the amendments be considered on their merits so that works can eventuate onsite.'
It also said the application included provision for increased waste disposal and a reassessment of traffic and parking.
While the reduced building height will be music to some ears, it can be expected neighbours will not have the same enthusiasm regarding an extra 26 beds drawn into the plan.
In December Karen Tremaine, who lives in the Mills & Co building complex at 15-17 Essex Street, described the plans as a 'social experiment' using 'jail-like rooms' for accommodation.
'We could end up with schoolies on tap,' she said.
'None of us opposing this are anti-development; many of us are business owners, B'n'B operators, restaurant and bar owners,' she said.
'We can't stand by quietly when there is blatant overdevelopment of a site that needs to be more considerate of the neighbours and the streetscape in a heritage commercial, residential precinct.'
The accommodation chain already operates LyLo models in Brisbane and New Zealand.
Mr Prendiville's plans for the Sailing For Oranges site, which are yet to be approved, have also been recently revised with fewer pods but more hotel rooms and amenities for guests.
But a ground floor restaurant is no longer on the cards, with a small cafe without full commercial cooking facilities in its place.
The Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel will make the definitive decision at a later date, with Fremantle council supporting its approval.
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