A milestone for Hakoah
The application by Hakoah Club to Woollahra Council for consent to amend the 2015 masterplan approval, has been granted by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel.
The decision follows a nine-month period of engagement with Council and has marked a major milestone in the development of Hakoah White City.
The Panel decision provides masterplan approval for the new Club and community centre at White City.
This milestone frees the way for submission to Council of the current design for formal development approval in the coming months.
The approved plan encapsulates a new Club building focused around community activity, and conservation of the historic Southern grandstand at White City as a three-level fitness, wellness and community facility.
Overall the Project is a substantial improvement on the 2015 masterplan.
Hakoah President, Steven Lowy, said “Given the scale and significance of the Project, the high level of interest the Project generates in the local community is not surprising.”
When asked about the Club’s response to the Panel decision, Mr Lowy went on to elaborate “We are excited at the opportunity this creates for the community.”
Mr Lowy explained that “The Club looks forward to working with residents and the local Paddington community.”
The past few months have seen rapid progress on Hakoah White City. In addition to the usual planning, design, and development activities, the Club has undertaken a process of communal engagement and research. Leading community organisations, individuals and groups across all areas, have been canvassed for their views, focus groups held, and a community survey completed.
Mr Lowy said “Indications are that there is tremendous interest and excitement in the community for the Project. We have been overwhelmed at the goodwill and positive attitude with which the old Hakoah at Hall Street is remembered, and the passion expressed by the community for a new centre at White City.”
Lowy explained his and the Hakoah Club commitment to the project as follows, “We intend making Hakoah White City a world class community, social and cultural venue, with the balance between community, sports, fitness and other cultural activities.”
He indicated “The next few months are an important period. We will continue our communal engagement to the end of this year, and with further good progress, expect to commence construction in the second half of next year.”
