funding · Randwick City Council
Coogee serviced-apartment project faces noise and patron limits before opening
Alterations at 161-167 Dolphin Street have deferred commencement consent, but an updated management plan must be approved before the site can be occupied or used.
The serviced-apartment project at 161-167 Dolphin Street, Coogee, has received deferred commencement consent, subject to controls on noise, complaints, security, alcohol service and patron numbers.
The Randwick Local Planning Panel approved Development Application DA/665/2026 for alterations and additions to the existing building. The work includes internal reconfiguration, upgraded communal facilities, changes to the Level 6 roof terrace, lift works, relocated plant, facade and roof-finish upgrades, and two ground-level signage zones.
The roof terrace will include barbecue facilities and a seating area under a new canopy. The plans also provide for an additional communal lounge, an internal communal kitchen and a toilet.
The panel accepted variations to the Height of Buildings and Floor Space Ratio standards in the Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012, finding compliance unnecessary and unreasonable in the circumstances and accepting the applicant’s environmental planning grounds.
The consent is subject to deferred commencement and standard conditions. Before the development is occupied or used, an updated Plan of Management must be submitted to and approved by Randwick Council’s Manager of Development Assessment.
The plan must detail measures to comply with development consent conditions and approved acoustic reports, meet relevant noise criteria, minimise noise emissions and protect nearby residents’ amenity. It must also address anti-social behaviour, resident complaints, responsible alcohol service and harm minimisation, security and surveillance, and the authorised maximum patron capacity.
The panel said it had considered written submissions, visited the site and reviewed the assessment report under Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The decision was carried unanimously.
The Coogee application was one of three development matters considered on 10 September. The panel also approved amended garage works at 27 Endeavour Avenue, La Perouse, and consented to a change from dual occupancy to a single dwelling and construction of a new swimming pool at 11 Mermaid Avenue, Maroubra.
Reference minutes
Randwick City Council, Randwick Local Planning Panel (Electronic) meeting, 10 September 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Deferred commencement consent was granted for DA/665/2026 at 161-167 Dolphin Street, Coogee.
- The works include serviced-apartment alterations, upgraded communal facilities, a Level 6 roof terrace, lift and plant changes, facade upgrades and two ground-level signage zones.
- The panel accepted variations to the Height of Buildings and Floor Space Ratio standards under the Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012.
- An updated Plan of Management must be approved before occupation or use.
- The plan must address noise, nearby residents’ amenity, complaints, anti-social behaviour, security, responsible alcohol service and authorised patron capacity.
- The decision was carried unanimously.
Why it matters
- The Coogee project cannot be occupied or used until deferred commencement requirements are met and Council approves a management plan covering noise, resident complaints, anti-social behaviour, security, alcohol service and patron capacity.