Hakoah moves forward

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The Development Application lodged by Sydney’s Hakoah Club for the redevelopment of White City has been unanimously approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

This approval comes on the back of a report and recommendation for approval from Woollahra Council planning staff and Councillors.

The JRPP in its decision stated that it considered Hakoah’s DA to be a well-considered application which will provide sporting facilities currently missing in the Woollahra local government area.

George Farkas and Frank Lowy Photo: Henry Benjamin/J-Wire

The approved DA is a Stage 1 concept development for building envelopes and indicative multiple sporting and recreational uses of White City and registered club facilities including a Heritage Interpretation Strategy.

Hakoah’s president George Farkas said: “The DA approval is a watershed moment in the redevelopment of White City. The approval of the building envelopes and proposed uses on the site is a significant step along the road to the building of the proposed facilities.”

Hakoah’s detailed Heritage Interpretation Strategy, with additions, has been accepted and approved as an appropriate recognition of the heritage significance of White City, so as to allow development to take place.

It has been a complex and very involved process which has required an outstanding collaborative team effort and exceptional dedication, hard work and perseverance.”

Hakoah extended its appreciation to the consultants and the many people involved in the project who had been instrumental in achieving this outcome.

Farkas said the Board particularly wanted to thank Phillip Wolanski and Allen Linz , Co-Chairmen of the Development Committee for their outstanding work and dedication, the Committee, and Hakoah’s Life Patron, Frank Lowy and Steven Lowy for the benefit of their experience and wise counsel along the journey.

Farkas added:  “Hakoah also wants to acknowledge and thank Woollahra Council’s planning staff and Councillors for supporting the DA, their guidance and hard work and for recognising the widespread benefits of the proposed facilities , which will be the envy of every other municipality. It has been a productive co-operative process, which Hakoah looks forward to continuing in the future.

The Council has left a significant legacy , in being instrumental in the revitalisation of what has been for far too long an underused and dilapidated site to become a state of the art sporting and recreational centre.

As significant as the DA approval is, it is but one step in a continuing process required to achieve our vision to provide unique sporting, recreational, social and cultural facilities and a community centre at White City.”

Farkas tolf J-Wire: “The DA approval is the first major and most significant step in a continuing process, including further approvals and funding, before building commences.”

He concluded by stating that Hakoah was also very grateful for the community’s widespread support in its efforts to achieve its goal.