Hakoah: Stage 2 DA ‘soon to be lodged’
The Hakoah Club anticipates it will reopen membership and lodge its Stage 2 development application with Woollahra Council “in the near future”, according to the club’s president George Farkas.
THE Hakoah Club anticipates it will reopen membership and lodge its Stage 2 development application (DA) with Woollahra Council “in the near future”, according to the club’s president George Farkas.
Speaking at Hakoah’s annual general meeting (AGM) last week, Farkas said the $47 million development of White City is a “very complex” project involving development, planning, financial and communal considerations requiring “immense patience and skill”.
“It involves balancing providing maximum facilities within a finite affordable budget, on a property containing a large flood plain, together with ensuring the provision of both regulatory and practically required parking, as well as providing for additional facilities when further future funds become available,” Farkas said.
“This needs to be done properly, methodically, meticulously and responsibly.”
The development includes a club floor, which will be a large multipurpose area; a bistro restaurant with a bar; a 25-metre, five-lane swimming pool; an indoor/outdoor cafe; a state-of-the-art gym; a full-size artificial football field; and a children’s playground.
In addition, Maccabi Tennis’ six courts will be increased to nine.
Farkas said given that community donations will, in part, fund the project, Hakoah has a “communal responsibility to ensure that the capital requirements can be fulfilled responsibly and within budget and that once constructed, the facilities are self-sustaining, without a continuing need to turn to the community for further funds”.
“This has been the guiding principle underlying our approach to this project and in particular, the next Stage which is the lodgement of our Stage 2 DA, which will be lodged with council in the near future.”
He noted that the development committee co-chaired by Phillip Wolanski AM and Allen Linz, “both experienced property developers, together with Steven Lowy have been meeting regularly and often”.
Farkas added, “It is anticipated that the club will reopen membership in the near future.
“The aim has been to ensure that no-one will be disadvantaged by membership fees, which will be affordable to families, while those wanting specialised premium facilities will pay higher fees.”
Thanking members for their patience on what has been “a lengthy and difficult journey with still a little way to go”, Farkas said, “The permanent contribution that this project will make to community wellbeing and continuity cannot be underestimated and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The AGM also saw the appointments of Phil Filler and Wolanski as governors of Hakoah.
EVAN ZLATKIS
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