An over 55s lifestyle village and short stay accommodation project in the South West is closer to fruition after an assessment panel approved the $30 million proposal.
An over 55s lifestyle village and short stay accommodation project in the South West is closer to fruition after an assessment panel approved the $30 million proposal.
The Regional Development Assessment Panel unanimously approved Ocean Gardens Pty Ltd’s plan to build short-stay accommodation, an over 55s village and a mixed-use building across three lots in Capel.
Despite the name, Ocean Gardens Pty Ltd is not affiliated with the retirement village operator of the same name.
Ocean Gardens Pty Ltd is owned by Julie Wyatt, who is reportedly one of the managers of Capel Tavern.
The 3.35-hectare project site, bound by Forrest and Roe roads and Capel Drive, comprises of mostly vacant land but houses a tavern and 19th century mail stables.
As part of the proposal, two and three-storey stacked modules will be added to the existing tavern for proposed short stay accommodation of 36 serviced apartments.
The stables will be repurposed into short-stay recreation and an art space, according to the application.
The over 55s lifestyle village will comprise of 52 grouped dwellings and associated facilities including a clubhouse.
A render of the short-stay dwellings. Image: Doepel Marsh Architects
The applicant also received approval to build a mixed-use development comprising a ground floor shop and eight residential units across two floors.
The Shire of Capel backed the proposal despite some inconsistencies with the planning framework.
Shire of Capel councillor and DAP member Sebastian Schiano said any inconsistencies have been addressed by the design review panel.
“I’m satisfied the proposal before us is a permissible use within our local planning scheme,” he said at the meeting.
“I find it quite refreshing the way the applicant has designed the different aspects of this proposal or development in accordance with the various land uses that cover the entirety of the site.”
Doepel Marsh Architects designed the proposed Capel project and compiled the development application for Ocean Gardens Pty Ltd.
In the application, Doepel Marsh Architects said the project has been designed to reflect the relaxed rural character of Capel but with modern accessibility.
"The proposed hosted short-stay accommodation at Capel will provide a contemporary and welcoming option for visitors seeking convenient, comfortable, and well-designed lodging in the heart of the region," the application read.
"Positioned to complement the surrounding town centre and natural attractions, the development aims to support local tourism and business travel by offering high-quality, self-contained units within easy reach of local amenities."
