A plan to redevelop Cottesloe's most recognisable landmark has been temporarily halted, with Minderoo Group announcing it will need more time to consider options for the site.
Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest's Minderoo purchased the Indiana Teahouse last year and launched a competition among high-profile architects to redesign the beachside restaurant.
But of the two finalists, the competition jury's preferred plan — submitted by Sydney-based firm Durbach Block Jaggers (DBJ) — was the least popular among the public.
Only 10 per cent of people who voted during an extensive community consultation period supported the DBJ plan, while the majority (53 per cent) were in favour of a concept from rival Kerry Hill Architects (KHA).
More than a third of the votes (37 per cent) were in favour of retaining and refurbishing the Teahouse.
In a statement, Minderoo Group said it was "exploring other redevelopment options" following "mixed" feedback during eight community consultation sessions.
"We want to consider the community feedback and explore a design that we're confident will be an improvement to the current site," Minderoo co-founder Nicola Forrest said.
"We want to provide an Indiana all Western Australians can be proud of, but we also want to significantly improve the amenity for everyone visiting Cottesloe Beach."
Concern designs too bold
Minderoo said while most attendees at the eight consultation sessions agreed an upgrade was required, there was concern about how the "new designs would integrate with the surrounding landscape".
The two final designs featured swimming pools and curved, multi-level buildings, representing a marked increase in scale relative to the Teahouse building.
While some residents were critical of the proposed redevelopment, others within the local business community were supportive.
Minderoo said it hoped to begin planning discussions with the Town of Cottesloe "in coming months".
In the meantime, a kiosk would operate from the Teahouse building during summer.
Minderoo did not respond to requests for an interview.
