The saga of WA’s Indiana Teahouse at Perth’s Cottesloe Beach has taken a dramatic turn with the council voting down a proposed business plan for the beachfront landmark.
The decision by the Town of Cottesloe has dismayed the developer behind a proposed redevelopment of the site, Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Fiveight.
Chief executive Paige Walker told media the company was “incredibly disappointed” and was considering its next steps.
Speaking after the meeting, Walker said that “tonight’s decision was held behind closed doors and the decision was made by councillors without engaging the wider community”.
“We just want a better beachfront for all West Australians. They deserve better amenity, change rooms, surf club facilities and accessibility at Perth’s postcard beach,” she told waiting media.
Changes in the Fiveight business plan also included a 31-room hotel with fine-dining restaurant, a rooftop pool and an underground spa.
The plans have been in motion for almost three years, however, a redevelopment of the teahouse, which is less than 30 years old and holds heritage listing, has been on the cards for about 19 years.
But Cottesloe Mayor Lorraine Young told media a lack of information from the developer was the main reason for the decision.
She said the council had not been provided with the information it needed to fully assess and understand the financial impact of the proposal.
Young said the proposal did not align with the Cottesloe Foreshore Masterplan, which has been endorsed by the council.
The Forrests have since 2019 held a decade-long lease for the teahouse from the council. The site is designated Crown Land.
