A new sauna proposal could bring the heat to North Cottesloe
Cottesloe locals will soon be able to hop in a sauna before taking a dip in the ocean if a new plan for the upstream North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club is approved.
Alchemy Saunas’ application is currently undergoing community consultation to gauge whether local residents support the proposal, which would be built on top of the NCSLSC, which is currently used for seating by residents and visitors.
Details about the project shared on the Town of Cottesloe website indicate that the single-storey sauna will be built on the northern boundary of the ski lodge roof.
The sauna will occupy only 33 percent of the roof area, with the remaining space designed for “public access and uninterrupted ocean views.”
Alchemy Saunas shared the proposal on its social media this week. This will be the company’s 11th sauna across Perth; The latest project at Burswood is still ongoing.
The business currently has oceanfront saunas in City Beach next to Clancy’s Fish Bar and in Port Beach next to Coast Port Beach.
The company wrote on social media: “We’re excited to share our plans for Alchemy North Cottesloe! The community is at the forefront of everything we do, so the continued use of the site for public use is something we’re very passionate about.”
“In addition to a beautiful traditional sauna venue, we will enhance and maintain a new seating area with more greenery, water stations and uninterrupted ocean views.
“If you believe in our vision, we truly appreciate your support.”
The roof of the ski lodge is currently used as an informal seating area for locals who gather on plastic chairs to enjoy the view.
Local resident Linzy Goundrey said she was in favor of a sauna being built in the North Cottesloe neighborhood.
“As a taxpayer, I think it’s a great idea and the design seems to fit in with the environment,” he said.
“The more health and wellness opportunities the better. There’s nothing better than a sauna followed by a dip in the ocean.”
Local James Walsh said the design was “brilliant” and would be a “great addition to the amenity of the area”.
“A significant improvement over the existing concrete slab [and] plastic chairs with plenty of space for public seating,” he said.
If the proposal is accepted, Alchemy Saunas will transfer the roof space from NCSLSC.
Cottesloe town councilors voted unanimously to support the commercial terms of the proposed project at its April 28 council meeting.
Under the proposed regulations, both the club and the town would generate revenue by receiving the base rent plus a share of the revenue from the sauna business.
Councilor Helen Sadler said she supported the project because of the benefits it would bring to businesses during the cold seasons.
“What drives me to support [the project] “This… will be for a new amenity that is really popular in the community and will probably be more popular in the winter rather than the summer,” he said.
“[It] It will support local businesses, which often struggle during the winter months when not many people come.
“That modest increase in traffic and increased community gathering spot will actually support other local businesses there, and that’s one of the things we need to think about because it can be quite difficult for businesses to be successful at that time of year.”
The project will be open for community consultation until June 25, when feedback will be collected and submitted to the council for consideration before the lease is approved.
The final decision regarding the sauna rests with the Western Australian Planning Commission due to the facility’s location. Councilors will use community feedback to determine their recommendations to WAPC.
A community information session will be held at Lesser Hall in Cottesloe on June 13 from 9.30am to 11.30am.
A representative from Alchemy Sauna and the town will be on hand to answer any questions about the proposal.
