UPDATE: INDIANA TEA HOUSE REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Development parameters to guide path forward for Indiana Tea House

The Town of Cottesloe has endorsed a set of development parameters to guide the redevelopment of the iconic Indiana Tea House, providing a path forward for a revised vision for the beachfront site.

The parameters follow the decision by Council last night not to proceed with a business plan for the existing proposal put forward by Tatterang and Fiveight.

The parameters address key points including supported uses for the site, expected community benefits, financial considerations and environmental and heritage considerations.

“To be very clear, the Town of Cottesloe fully supports the redevelopment of the Indiana Tea House – and we would welcome a revised vision for the site that works within the parameters set out by Council,” said Cottesloe Mayor Lorraine Young.

Mayor Young said the decision not to proceed with the current proposal was carefully considered, and was based on three key reasons – a lack of clarity around financial impact and risk, the level of community benefit it would deliver, and a failure to align with the Town’s endorsed Foreshore Masterplan.

“This is a significant and much-loved site, with a number of stakeholders – and any redevelopment proposal is going to be a complex exercise,” she said.

“In this case, we haven’t been provided with the level of information we need to fully assess the financial impact and risks of the proposal on the Town.

“It’s also worth noting that while there are many things to like in the current proposal, such as upgrades to public toilets and a new boatshed, we’re very conscious that we as a Council are custodians of an incredible community asset for all Western Australians.

“Unlike other countries around the world, commercialisation and privatisation of beaches is not a part of our culture and shouldn’t be contemplated unless backed up by very considerable community benefit. On balance, we didn’t feel the existing proposal delivered enough in that respect.”

Finally, the current proposal fails to align with the existing Cottesloe Foreshore Masterplan, which was developed to guide future development and management of Cottesloe Beach.

“The Masterplan was developed over a four-year period, at a cost of almost $1 million, and included significant input and support from the local community,” said Mayor Young.

“It was endorsed by Council in 2019, and is a shovel-ready and much-needed project. Any redevelopment of Indiana should fully integrate with the approved Masterplan – the current proposal does not.”

While the Council was unable to support the proposal in its current form, it believed the published set of development parameters would guide a revised proposal that could be supported by the community.

“We continue to welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with Tattarang and Fiveight towards a proposal that enhances this landmark site and delivers a great outcome for all,” said Mayor Young.

Indiana Tea House - Redevelopment Parameters as endorsed by Council at 25 June 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting