WHAT do you think about the draft plan for a café and a tavern proposed for the old Yanchep surf life saving club site?
A redevelopment proposal likely to go before the City of Wanneroo in the middle of the year includes a cafe and beach tavern designed to blend into the existing dune contours.
Draft concept plans available on the city’s website show a two-story building with the café located on the lower level of the nestled into the dunes, capturing views to the Yanchep Lagoon beach and the ocean to the north.
According to the draft concept document the spaces will be organised to follow the natural contours of the site and be oriented to capture the northern winter sun and natural ventilation through the spaces, especially the south west sea breeze.
The café will have 300sqm of internal floor area and 150sqm of external-alfresco dining area.
The beach tavern will be on the upper level of the proposal, maximising views across Yanchep Lagoon and allowing 180 degree ocean views, from the south to the north.
Stepped external terraces will follow the natural contours of the dunes and allow for built-in benches and tiered seating.
The draft concept allows for operable glazed facade elements to enable the space to be both open or closed, depending on coastal weather conditions and at all times allow for views across the ocean.
The spaces will be oriented to capture northern winter sun and natural ventilation from a cooling sea breeze.
The tavern is proposed to have 400sqm of internal floor area and 200sqm of external-alfresco dining area.
The proposal says Laguna – Fresh Starts will be a gathering place for all generations for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just a chat over coffee, or perhaps a drink with friends after a swim at the beach.
Christian and Amy Akerstrom of Yanchep have very different views on the proposal.
Amy Akerstrom said Yanchep residents needed somewhere local they could go for a drink and a meal.
She said there was the Yanchep Inn and the Yanchep Sports and Social Club but they did not get used as much as a waterfront venue would.
But she said the venue needed to be built with locals in mind and not just cater for tourists.
Christian Akerstrom said Yanchep Lagoon reminded him of Mullaloo beach about 20 years ago and that coastlines could be wrecked by too many people and car parks.
While admitting enjoying a beer himself he said it was wrong to use a hotel to attract people to the beach.
“I want people to come to the lagoon for the water and the beach not for a drink,’’ he said.
On the city’s Have Your Say section one 20-year-old said they loved the idea, which could be a new welcome change to Yanchep and maybe create a bit of nightlife.
One respondent said it would provide work for local builders and artists and keep the old Yanchep surf club álive’.
Another said it was a fantastic idea.
“If you haven’t already take some inspiration from the new Eden beach development in Jindalee – terrace grassed area down to the beach – a more iconic name like “Laguna Cove” sounds much stronger,’’ they said.
The public comment period for the old surf club redevelopment proposal closes on Friday, April 12.
We would like to hear what you think.
