Locals in Hurlstone Park are complaining about a Canterbury Council decision to allow Iris Capital to construct a mixed use six-storey apartment complex on the site of the old Grumpy’s Hotel.
Iris bought Grumpy’s in 2014 for $11 million, and in time submitted plans to demolish the pub to build the multi-level ‘Wattle Hill’ development. Hurlstone Park is one of Sydney’s inner west suburbs experiencing large-scale growth and an increase in residential density.
Known under Iris’ banner as simply the Hurlstone Park Hotel, the 1930-built building is in the period-typical Art Deco style, designed by prominent architect and long-serving Sydney Alderman, Ernest Lindsay Thompson. (1870 – 1935.)
It was originally known as Flitcroft’s – after the first licensees, the Flitcroft brothers.
Despite objections by the likes of the Hurlstone Park Association, claiming historical significance in the nondescript corner pub, Council voted to approve DA-102/2015 – in accordance with significant conditions.
Amongst these is a “contribution” of $501,647.34, for the betterment of: Community Facilities ($45,374.16), Open Space and Recreation ($443,511.55), and Plan Administration ($12,761.63).
The Wattle Hill development will incorporate 42 apartments, underground off-street parking, and a street-level hospitality space. Apartments are already being advertised online.
The Hurlstone Park Hotel is currently still trading. Closure and commencement of construction dates have not yet been announced.
PubTIC contacted Sam Arnaout for comment, but did not receive reply in time for publication.
