The redevelopers had proposed to enhance both the public access and use of the ‘Basil Kirke’ studios by creating a separate lot upon which the studios are sited, and transfer that lot (either by freehold or survey-strata subdivision) to an appropriate community body for nominal consideration. The National Trust has advised the proponent that it would accept the gifting of the premises for on-going use as a public facility, where various educational and arts bodies would be able to utilise the restored studios in a way that conserves the heritage significance of the place. It is estimated the value of gifting the facility to The National Trust is worth $8,000,000. This will ensure the studios are set aside in perpetuity for community purposes, thereby conserving their heritage significance and many of their original functions.”
Since then, they have come up with a proposal to build a 40-story, 326-room luxury hotel over the site, with the Basil Kirke Studio becoming a ballroom and the other studios becoming an art gallery.
Details of the proposal include:
•A basement level accommodating plant, equipment and hotel storage;
•A ground level street front porte cochere will provide vehicle access and egress
•to the rear of the site and 32 car parking bays over two levels;
•A ground floor reception and lobby;
•A podium of hotel amenities and services including a wifi lounge, deli, gallery, restaurant, wellness centre, fitness centre, business centre, events room and pool area;
•11 levels of single bedroom hotel rooms approximately 35m² in size;
•11 levels of single to two bedroom ‘SoHo’ (Small Office / Hotel Office) units approximately 60m² in size
•An Executive Club and roof terrace.
