Andrew Forrest’s Minderoo Group plans to demolish the Indiana Tea House at Cottesloe Beach and replace it with one of four concepts released for public comment today.
Andrew Forrest’s Minderoo Group plans to demolish the Indiana Tea House at Cottesloe Beach and replace it with one of four concepts released for public comment today.
Once community feedback has been received, Minderoo said its jury would consider the design concepts in conjunction with the public feedback and determine a way forward.
All four of the submissions involved Western Australian architects in some capacity.
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'Two islands' - Durbach Block Jaegers Architects, with OHLO Studio and ASPECT Studios
'A form shaped by ocean forces' - Kerry Hill Architects
'Moordorup hollowed limestone rock' - Neeson Murcutt + Neille, with Simon Pendal Architect and Sue Barnsley Design
'Cave, ground, canopy and horizon' - Spaceagency and Place Laboratory
A refit of the existing building is also an option, but Minderoo said the additional amenity offered by a refit would be limited.
Previously, the public was asked to submit ideas for the site to Minderoo, which were provided to 11 invited Australian architecture firms.
“The suggestions from community included a beachside pool, an arts and culture hub, and the desire for a greater variety of food and beverage offerings that cater to all tastes and budgets,” Minderoo said.
“Community feedback emphasised the need for further activation of the site, but also the importance of retaining Cottesloe Beach’s existing culture.”
The four finalists were selected by the jury, which were announced last month, to present their ideas for further community input.
Jury chair Geoffrey London said the four submissions creatively reflected the community response.
"We have great variety in these final four concepts, which exhibit a considered relationship with Cottesloe’s unique cultural heritage and reflect the ideas received from the community in different ways," he said.
“The main goal the architects were set was to reimagine the space for optimum community benefit, ensuring the site is well utilised and activated.
“As part of this, it appears that each firm has determined the current Indiana building does not offer the best use of space or easily facilitate the brief, which includes the community’s ideas.”
Minderoo said any proposal would continue to be shaped as it is refined and progressed through the planning approvals process, with continued opportunity for community consultation and input.
