A change of use for the former Wraight’s mechanic workshop in Brunswick Heads was waved through unanimously by councillors at their November 14 meeting, paving the way for a takeaway cafe and wellness gym and recovery centre.
It is called B3 (Build, Breath, Bath).
Crs Jack Dods, Michael Lyon, David Warth, and Elia Hauge declared an interest in the DA, and did not vote.
The property owner is Peter Vogel’s company Voglet Pty Ltd, and it is located at 38 Tweed Street.
Given the property borders residential homes, strict conditions are in place, which include noise mitigation, noise complaint contact, signage and a 12-month trial ‘while road works including vehicle parking in Fingal Street is completed’.
The applicant will also provide Council an ‘acoustic compliance report prepared by a suitably qualified person’.
Mr Vogel told The Echo that, ‘acoustic insulation has already been installed, over and above Council requirements’.
The takeaway cafe will operate from 7am to 5pm, seven days a week, while the gym will be limited to 40 patrons on the premises at any one time.
Apart from noise impacts, issues raised during public submissions included no onsite car parking. In response, 29 parking spaces on Fingal Street will be provided, including road sealing, line marking, kerb and guttering.
Mr Vogel said the 29 car parks are ‘on top of historical parking credits allocated to the site, as well as installation of a footpath at the front of the building on Tweed Street for improved pedestrian safety’.
While there were 13 public submissions objecting to the proposal, the proponent provided a change.org petition of 928 signatures in favour. Staff remarked that 751 were signed in the first two weeks.
Mr Vogel told The Echo it is ‘unlike a traditional gym, as it also offers yoga, pilates, ice baths, magnesium baths (hot and cold), a hot sauna and an infrared sauna’.
Opens Nov 30
He added, ‘The opening event is November 30’.
The staff report concludes with, ‘The proposal is conscious of, and responsive to, public concerns and it is considered that the development will provide a material, social and economic benefit to the community’.
B3 owner, Benny Owen, told The Echo, ‘This application reflects extensive consultation and collaboration, investment, and a commitment to ensuring that the project aligns with Council’s vision for Brunswick Heads, as well as the needs and priorities of the community’.
‘We understand the importance of compliance and community harmony, and we have gone above and beyond to meet Council’s guidance, and have taken into account, and addressed, all neighbours’ concerns regarding parking, noise control, and community-focused improvements.
‘As three locals, our B3 mission is to offer a place where people of all ages can come together – whether it’s helping youth develop healthy habits, providing young families a space to bring their kids while they work out, or creating an environment that promotes connection and growth’.
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