WIN Corporation has lodged modified plans for its makeover of Clifton's Imperial Hotel.
Media group WIN Corporation has asked Wollongong City Council to relax development conditions imposed on its planned refurbishment of Clifton's Imperial Hotel.
The company has lodged a modification request with Wollongong City Council to make changes to its existing development approval for the $1.6 million hotel makeover.
The current approval allows for the addition of a terrace and barbecue area, car parking for 24 vehicles and an increase in patron capacity from 200 to 286.
However, WIN Corp claims conforming to strict Building Code of Australia requirements in the refurbishment works would damage the building's heritage significance.
A modification statement prepared by PRD Architects director Peter Rasa said most elements of the building deemed non-compliant with the code were the very parts considered significant in forming the overall heritage fabric of the building.
Non-compliant areas include existing glazing, steel columns and beams, external walls, stairs and handrails and landings.
In most cases WIN is seeking to have the code apply only to new works.
The main alterations include building a deck at the rear of the hotel out of concrete instead of steel, fire safety upgrades, widening a planned staircase to the rear deck and installing a stair lift to allow for disabled access.
A recent public exhibition of the plans attracted six objections from nearby residents, prompting the council to refer the application to the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel for consideration today.A council report to the panel recommends the modifications be allowed.
WIN Corporation did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.
