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1. This building must be heritage listed and not demolished. It is a fine example of post war art deco architecture with a unique and fascinating provenance.

   It has taken council only 4 days to refer this for assessment and only 14 days are provided to the community to lodge any comment.

   Built in 1922, Number 5 Baden Street, Coogee is a beachside apartment building and was the setting for the Australian Channel 10 television drama series Wonderland. The building is directly opposite Dunningham Reserve overlooking Coogee Beach. Wonderland was the fictional name of building in the series.

   The five flats were acquired by investors, the Newton family, of the nearby suburb of Double Bay. They secured the block in two acquistions topped off by the 195 square metre penthouse in 1989 for $400,000. The other four apartments spread over the lower two floors are 95 square metres each. They were bought for a $149,000 total in 1980 from the Whiteman family who kept the top floor flat until its 1989 sale. It had been with the Whiteman family since 1941 having been previously owned by the Coogee garage proprietor William D. McLeod from 1922.

   When the building first appeared in the Sydney Sand's Directory, it was simply known as the McLeod apartments. The McLeod Motor Garage operated from the old Palace Aquarium building with its entrance from nearby Beach Street. The Aquarium's dome was painted with the words McLeod's Garage and for many decades up until 1988, could be seen from most parts of the Coogee basin.

2. I strongly object this development.
   This building must be heritage listed.
   I object the proposed new building plan Coogee is becoming unrecognisable with new cheap fast tracked developments. Also a sewage diversion as listed in the new plans for the development seems like an environmental problem waiting to happen.

3. I strongly object to this planned development. This building is iconic to Coogee and must be saved where many others have been lost. The facade at the very least should be heritage listed and preserved.

4. I strongly object to the demolition of 5 Baden St Coogee. There have been too many redevelopments of old buildings yet their value is in keeping some heritage in Coogee. We have too many apartment blocks in Coogee and do not need to destroy an iconic building to become yet another “modern” block

5. I strongly object to this development, the existing building is historic and functional, the landscape of Coogee is being systematically dismantled and replaced with sub standard quality, aesthetically displeasing 'modern' apartments - we must conserve the heritage and feel of the suburb.

6. I strongly object to the demolition of this wonderfully unique building. Please don't allow this to happen. 5 Baden St, Coogee is 100% worth saving.

7. I agree with most of the respondents. This is a beautiful building which should be preserved along with other similar examples in Coogee. We will slowly erode the history of this area and end up with a Gold Coast.

8. I agree with most of the respondents. This is a beautiful building which should be preserved along with other similar examples in Coogee. We will slowly erode the history of this area and end up with a Gold Coast.

9. I believe this architecture should be preserved in order to protect the unique feel of Coogee. Surely a restoration is a more sustainable choice as well.

10. I strongly object to the description of this wonderful building. History is who we are. Why do we keep knocking down and rebuilding heartlessly, when we can fix what is only slightly broken?

11. What a dreadful shame it would be to lose this magnificent building with all of it's unique character and charm. Coogee is already crowded with non descript concrete boxes, making these extraordinary gems even more critical to preserving the history and integrity of our lovely beachside suburb. Coogee recent transformation is not sensitive to it's village vibe. Please do not demolish this building.

12. I strongly object to the demolishing of this building. It is part of the character, history and charm of Coogee.

13. Having lived on Baden St for 11 years, I would hate to see this classic building disappear. It really helps add colour and vibrance to Coogee, something we don't get with the modern concrete constructs, and Coogee would be poorer if it were to go.

14. This building should be preserved as a Heritage item and should NOT be demolished. It is part of the streetscape of Coogee and has historical significance.

15. 5 Baden st is so special, it’s a landmark for this part of Coogee, adding character to this unique urban beachside community. Buildings like this form part of Sydney’s history and should be preserved. We don’t need more beige concrete jungles, we need to restore the character and essence of what makes this suburb amazing. Please don’t allow them to demolish this building!

16. Please stop approving development applications for the destruction of the heritage buildings in Coogee and the greater Randwick Council area.

    The Federation and Art Deco buildings here are what gives the area its character, and sets it apart from “new” suburbs full of cookie cutter apartments like Parramatta and Penrith.

    Please let Coogee be Coogee, and do not approve the DA for the demolishment of this building.

17. If history keeps being wiped out, there will be no history. Preserve what you have left, particularly those with such character & meaning.

18. Keep this building . Stop destroying coogees heritage.

19. I object to this application. This building has so much historic charm and character. Modernisation does not need to compromise historical integrity. This area needs to maintain its charm not erode it.

20. It would be such a shame to see another part of Coogee’s heritage destroyed. The Federation and Art Deco buildings are part of the suburb’s charm and make it attractive to residents, tourists and businesses.
    Coogee has a fascinating history and that’s something we need to preserve, celebrate and publicise, not bulldoze.

21. Lived in Coogee over 30 years and loved every moment. Unfortunately the past 10 years have seen a dramatic increase in knock down of units and homes that are full of character to be replaced with concrete boxes.
    Please don't destroy everything that is unique in this wonderful suburb.

22. The buildings in Coogee are a large part of what makes the suburb appealing. I am about to move into the area because I love it just the way it is! These apartments should be restored not demolished. I strongly oppose this. We have enough suburbs in Sydney which lack character it would be sad to see Coogee slowly become one of them.

23. I believe this apartment block should be heritage listed, and can’t believe (after reading TC’s comments above) that it isn’t already. It is a wonderful example of local original Art Deco architecture. I have taken many a visitor to this “Wonderland” house where we have posed for pictures. This building is iconic to Coogee and I believe it would be scandalous to allow its demolition.

24. I strongly disagree with this proposed
    over development, enough of profits before sensable development, we do not want our iconic coogee bch to resemble another high rise beach suburb, i have lived here for over thirty years and have seen many changes but lately im am observing no sense planning in the local area. Please please reassess this proposal.

25. I oppose the demolition of this building. It has warmth and character similar to that of the Coogee pavilion and sits in a prime location contributing to the character filled Coogee which we love.

26. As I long time resident in Coogee I also oppose the demolition of our beautiful Art Deco buildings .

27. Please stop destroying and demolishing these heritage buildings which are part of our suburb’s history.
    These gorgeous buildings should be protected.
    I strongly oppose this destruction.

28. Strongly object to this. This unit block is iconic to coogee and easily recognisable from the beach. Randwick Council need to stop allowing so many modern blocks to go up. I understand the need to update but surely the facade can be preserved?

29. Lived in Coogee over 30 years and loved every moment. Unfortunately the past 10 years have seen a dramatic increase in knock down of units and homes that are full of character to be replaced with concrete boxes.
    Please don't destroy everything that is unique in this wonderful suburb.

30. By Tim Winton, as a comment on our lust to destroy our built environment & heritage:

    "Their city had already fallen to the robber baron’s and the wrecker’s ball. Even the places of my parents youth ad courtship had been torn down and cemented over. Had something handsome or interesting gone up in their stead I might have grudgingly acknowledged that things need to change, but invariably these grand ballrooms, riverbends, wetlands and Georgian houses were replaced by freeways and tower blocks of heartrending ugliness.

    In Perth there is always another mineral boom, or property bubble in the wings and the cycle of turnover, where the old must make way for the new, accelerates year upon year. Of all the houses I lived in as a boy in Perth, not one is still standing. Even my school was bowled over for a real-estate development.

    For all of it’s immense prosperity, this once distinctive city has devolved into a bland outpost of gimcrack knock-offs and in-built obsolescence. Everything is temporary, as if after two centuries of settlements we’re camping out.

    What does it mean for a community to edit itself like this, to so spurn the past - or perhaps fear it - that the slate must be wiped clean for each new generation? What self-hatred does this betray? 

    During those years of travel I saw that architecture is what we console ourselves with once we’ve obliterated our natural landscapes. But I also learnt that architecture can offer more than consolation. Like other forms of physical continuity it’s a means of individual nourishments and communal connection. A Parisian can step into Victor Hugo’s house and an Athenian has antiquity looming on the hill at every turn, but in Western Australia there is nothing like this sort of connectedness. The built environment has no value. Every structure is ephemeral. So the haunts of my own parents could only be visited by an act of imagination. I had to sing them up for myself and make good the loss however I could. 

    It’s not that old buildings are simply handy prompts and useful artefacts to help us feel connected to those who came before us. Over time they become ecosystems in their own right. And just as a house retains the embedded energy of the wood or the stone from which its constructed, it also absorbs and embodies the yearnings of those who are born and live and work and die within its walls. 

    Writing in the gate lodge of a twelfth century irish castle, I came to the queasy realisation that a building doesn’t just have its own weather; it has mood swings and secrets, an inner life that must be contended with. It offers - and sometimes demands - a relationship. It is not merely an object but a subject. Like landscape, it is a character. 

    It was exciting - and yes, consoling - to conjure up streets and houses that were no more, but sadly a fictional reimagining is just an echo. Like an extinct species or a lapsed dialect, a lost place is gone for good. I had to settle for the echo."

    I think there is going to be a fight over this one.

31. I think its a shame to destroy this building. The new apartment building will be out of place i.e. too modern to the current buildings in Baden Street.
    Coogee has some lovely iconic buildings that are pre/pro art deco era and would be a shame to demolish. If the building is restored, it would be a lovely building.
    Coogee surf club looks like an Microwave, we don't need another building to ruin the northen end of the beach. Please reconsider.

32. This beautiful old building full of character and meaning needs to stay. PLEASE DONT TEAR IT DOWN! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

33. This building is one of the key’s to our areas’s character and ties to the past. It would be a shame to see it knocked down to make way for a building which may look nice, but can’t replace history — they just dont build these anymore. I also agree that the suburb and this street is already overcrowded. It would be sad if one day all these older buildings were gone, instead of being thoughtfully restored and updated. Please keep our heritage.

34. Hello, this is one of the most unique and special buildings in Coogee giving the place some character. I always admire it when walking past. Please do not allow this building to be demolished. Thanks 🙏🏾

35. A developer might win from this, but the people and economy of Coogee will lose. This is a magestic deco building by the sea in a street with a unique heritage profile. It must be preserved, to maintain the atmosphere and character of Coogee. So much has been lost already, let’s preserve what is left.

36. I strongly object to this development and the demolition of this building. It is disgraceful what buildings council has already allowed to be demolished and replaced with boring buildings with no character or charm. Council should try to encourage people to renovate such buildings not replace them. The Coogee landscape needs protecting!

37. That is enough Randwick City Council, do your ethical job right and stop this horrible idea. Demolishing this historic building is not right. Step up and do your job. Stay conscious and protective of our area. I object to this proposal and so should all the councilors.

38. Historical building are a legacy worth keeping to our next generations
    Please restore this gorgeous home to it’s former glory.
    I am confident that our Local community will appreciate it today and our next generations will be honoured to see and learn about it’s heritage.

39. As mention previously I strongly object to this development and the demolition of this building. Historical buildings should be protected so future cultural exploration is possible. Take Europe as an example. Please stop this immediately.

40. I strongly object to this development. This is a landmark property. It has historical significance. It has appeared in Australian film which makes it important to the fabric of Coogee. This development should not happen. The building should be restored.

41. I entirely object to this development. This is a unique, beautifully designed building full of character and history. Please don't strip Coogee of any more of it's uniqueness. At least keep the facade/frontage to show a little compassion for brilliant workmanship that went into this building and many others in this suburb that set's it apart from others.

42. When we will learn to appreciate our past and place it above short term financial gain. What a beautiful example of deco by the seaside. Disappointing this would even be considered.

43. Please do not demolish this beautiful Art Deco building it is a historic part of the Coogee landscape and it would be a crime to knock it down. The character of Coogee depends on these last few buildings staying intact. Don’t allow it to be lost forever. We can never get this back once it is gone. It’s a part of Coogee’s beauty.

44. This is honestly appalling. Our beautiful suburb is becoming a construction zone with these relics of history being replaced by eyesores. I completely disagree with demolishing this building to make way for more ugly concrete blocks.

45. This Art Deco building is a fundamental part of Coogee’s character and charm, especially considering it’s proximity to the water. An important piece in the aesthetic and history of the area, this building should be heritage listed and not demolished.

46. Coogee needs to retain its history, not wipe it out and replace it with unimaginative over populated new builds.
    Especially surrounding the beach front, nobody wants a local version of Surfers Paradise.

47. I strongly disagree with this proposal. We do not need more appartment buildings of substandard design.

48. I strongly object.

49. I strongly object as this is a nice heritage building

50. I strongly object this development.
    This building must be heritage listed.
    One of my favourite things about Coogee is the local architecture, we do not want our beautiful suburb becoming a mass of grey, shoddily built, over crowded apartments.
    The council also needs to ensure there is enough public transport in the area (the busses are always over loaded) before you increase the density of Coogee.

51. As a Coogee resident I strongly oppose the demolition of this historic Art Deco building.

52. Why would you knock this property down? This obsession with tearing down Coogee and building units needs to stop.

53. I strongly object to this planned development. This is an iconic building and to destroy it would be destroying yet another a part our suburb’s heritage. There are far too many generic charmless modern blocks of flats that are greatly diluting the character of the area.

54. I strongly object the demolition of this building. The external facade should be heritage listed and protected. These buildings need to be preserved, cared for and renovated to maintain them. Modern updates can be made whilst still staying true to the original design and feel of the building.

55. I strongly object to this development. This is a landmark property. It has historical significance. It has appeared in Australian film which makes it important to the fabric of Coogee. This development should not happen. The building should be restored.

56. This building embodies the character of Coogee. To lose it would be such a loss and shame. I echo the previous replies; please preserve this beautiful building and stop the overdevelopment of the area.

57. This is such a beautiful building that adds to the character of Coogee. I’m amazed that demolition of it would even be considered.

58. Do not wipe this building off the map. Each building of historic significance is not just comprised of brick and mortar, it's made of who we are as Sydney-siders; who we are as Australians. This place is a look back into our past--a look back into ourselves, and it must be preserved lest we lose something of our humanity.

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