VOTE GREEN LIGHTS BURLEIGH ARCADE PROJECT
A LAST-ditch bid to save a large slice of Old Burleigh Theatre as public open space has failed.
Councillors at an earlier planning committee meeting were divided about a new 14level tower project at Burleigh Heads saving the facade, voting 4-3 to back the project.
At Tuesday’s full council, area Cr Daphne McDonald put forward the proposal which included new tougher conditions to save the theatre’s foyer.
Cr McDonald sought at least 1000sqm of arcade and gallery space “to recognise the building’s social importance as a place of gathering and entertainment”. She believed the securing of the area would preserve the building’s cultural heritage significance and “ensure its values are protected”.
The developer had ensured maintaining the facade but inside would be a 12m high atrium.
“We’ve missed a huge opportunity to make this a showcase for the city – it’s a first.”
Under the councillor’s proposal, the ground floor would be devoted to a public gallery, along with second-floor sections.
But senior officers, asked for advice by Mayor Tom Tate, concluded it was unlawful.
It would require a new land use and the project would have to be advertised again. Cr McDonald gained no support for her motion. Colleague Peter
Young indicated he’d have liked to support her but it was “flawed” and “leaves us vulnerable to defend an appeal”.
An amendment put forward by Cr Hermann Vorster which sought to ensure graffiti would be removed from the building’s facade and carparking signage put up was supported by a majority of councillors.
Only councillors McDonald, Peter Young and Brooke Patterson opposed. The development was given a green light.