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Parking remains central to Margaret River’s Fini Hotel bid after second hearing of Regional assessment panel

Warren HatelyAugusta Margaret River Times
An artist's impression of the Fearn Avenue hybrid hotel entrance.
Camera IconAn artist's impression of the Fearn Avenue hybrid hotel entrance. Credit: Supplied/RegionalHUB

The developers of what is claimed to be Australia’s first net-positive emissions hotel are eyeing their options after a successful bid to WA’s State Administrative Tribunal.

The Fini Group had its proposal for Margaret River’s Fearn Avenue reconsidered by the Regional Development Assessment Panel on July 4 after arguing conditions about cash-in-lieu compensation for a 17-bay shortfall in parking weren’t needed.

However, the RDAP committee then amended its previous approval and despite an argument from the developer’s lawyer imposed new conditions on parking compensation that could lead to further appeals.

In last Thursday’s hearing, the developer team, including architect Alessio Fini, said the 32-key hotel with a restaurant, bar and function space fronting the street was a passion project with narrow costs.

“We do it because we love to leave a lasting legacy and contribute positively to the community,” Mr Fini said.

“It is marginally untenable (in cost). We believe that Margaret River needs this.”

The meeting was told any cash-in-lieu expectation beyond $100,000 was more than the project could weather.

While Lavan Legal’s Paul McQueen pitched a $25,000 contribution to parking that would be returned if it could not be spent, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillors and RDAP committee members David Binks and Ian Earl insisted on the parking payment.

The developers used shire planners’ own argument — originally refusing the project due to a lack of feasible parking options — against the cash condition.

“The single matter of contention is with regards to the carparking,” Mr McQueen said.

“There is no option (for new parking). There is no land for the construction of these bays. We cannot comply and neither is it necessary.”

Instead, the Fini Group argued there was plenty of nearby parking, especially at night and the developers said their eco-conscious guests wouldn’t be driving to Margaret River anyway.

However, Cr Binks roundly rejected the team’s claims guests could rely on public transport given Margaret River didn’t have any.

Tourism consultant Anneke Brown said Margaret River could be on the cutting edge of tourism trends by supporting the Fini hotel.

The team pointed to its successful Alex Hotel in Perth which was unencumbered with extra parking requirements.

Panel member Neema Premji suggested the shire amend its cash-in-lieu policy to allow funds to be spent on scoping studies and parking off-set options.

The matter is still subject to a SAT directions hearing in early August.

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