The proposed Swanbourne sauna is not approved or operating. PerthNow reported that Nedlands council rejected Icarus Saunas’ application on 4 March 2025 after a tied vote was resolved by the mayor’s casting vote. The proponents said they planned to pursue a state-government route, but no formal state application or later decision is established in the available reporting.
What was proposed for Swanbourne?
Icarus Saunas co-owners Benjamin Leclezio, Conrad Eyers and Leonardo Alampi Sottini proposed a demountable sauna for 15 people on unused land just north of the Swanbourne Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club car park. PerthNow reported in November 2024 that the plan envisaged operating seven days a week and charging $20 per session; these were proposal details at the time, not confirmed current terms.
The co-owners said they would fund the facility, give half of its profits to the City and use the remainder to beautify the surrounding area. That was the proponents’ stated offer, not a verified or binding agreement.
Why did Nedlands reject the application?
The City’s stated planning concern was that the proposed use did not fit the area’s parks and recreation designation. A City spokesperson told PerthNow: “The city believes the proposal is inconsistent with the parks and recreation designation for the area.”
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- Spacious 4-6 Person Sauna Tent: Measuring 8.2 x 8.2 x 6.7 ft, this outdoor sauna tent offers a roomy interior for family or small group use. The tall, wide design provides more comfortable movement inside, making it suitable for backyard relaxation, outdoor sauna sessions, and seasonal camping use.
- 3-Layer Thermal Fabric for Better Heat Retention: Built with durable 300D Oxford fabric, 80g Fluffy Warm Cotton, and Oxford lining, this sauna tent is designed to help retain warmth while standing up to outdoor use. The quilted thermal structure supports more stable heat performance and added comfort in cool-weather conditions.
- Wood Burning Stove with Sauna Stones Included: The included wood-burning stove creates a traditional sauna experience with real firewood and heated sauna stones. The heat-resistant stove body supports high-temperature operation, while the sauna stones help generate steam when water is added. Designed for use in properly insulated outdoor sauna rooms, it helps create a relaxing sauna atmosphere with temperatures around 140°F and above depending on room size, insulation, and outdoor conditions.
- Fast Pop-Up Setup with Windproof Accessories: Designed with a convenient pop-up structure, this tent sets up quickly without complicated tools. Reinforced corners, secure anchor points, ground stakes, and wind ropes help improve stability during outdoor use. A carrying bag is included for easier storage and transport. Please note: This product ships in 2 separate boxes, which may arrive at different times.
- Heating Performance Depends on Fuel, Airflow, and Stone Placement: For best results, start with dry wood shavings or kindling, then add larger dry logs once the fire is stable. Keep the chimney clear and firewood elevated for efficient burning. Place sauna stones evenly around the rack, with larger stones at the bottom and smaller stones on top. Avoid uneven loading. Slight metal expansion under high heat is normal.
On 4 March 2025, PerthNow reported that council members were deadlocked and then-mayor Fiona Argyle used her casting vote to reject the application. The report quoted Argyle saying: “With the support of the administration we do not put businesses on A-class reserves,” Ms Argyle said on Tuesday.
The City’s general development-application guidance says development that is not exempt from approval must be approved before works or use begin. Applicants are directed to select the relevant application, complete the forms and checklists, submit the materials, and respond to any requests for further information from planning officers. City of Nedlands: Development Applications Essentials
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- Home Infrared Sauna for Personal Use: Create your own indoor sauna space with this KASUE portable infrared sauna tent. The enclosed full-body design offers a warm and private setting for daily relaxation, home spa time, weekend self-care, or unwinding after a busy day. It is a convenient choice for users who want a sauna experience at home without a large wooden sauna room.
- 3L Steam Generator with Custom Heat Control: The 3L steamer delivers steady steam into the sauna tent, while 9 adjustable temperature levels let you choose the heat setting that feels right for your routine. From light warmth to a stronger steam session, this portable sauna gives you simple control for different seasons and personal preferences.
- 99-Minute Timer with Remote Adjustment: The 99-minute timer allows you to set the session length based on your comfort level. With the included remote control, you can adjust the time or temperature while sitting inside the sauna, avoiding the need to open the tent frequently and helping maintain a more consistent warm environment.
- 5-Layer Waterproof Insulated Construction: Built with 5-layer waterproof insulated fabric, the sauna tent helps reduce heat loss and keeps the inside space warm during use. The easy-clean surface is practical for repeated home use, while the structured frame helps the tent stand securely in bedrooms, living rooms, home gyms, and other indoor spaces.
- Complete Set with Folding Chair Included: A folding chair is included for a more comfortable seated sauna setup. The portable and foldable design makes this sauna easy to move, assemble, and store when not in use. Ideal for apartments, small rooms, renters, home spa lovers, and fitness users for a compact indoor sauna solution.
What did the proponents mean by taking the proposal to the State?
In December 2024, Leclezio said the group was working with town-planning advisers and hoped the State Government could intervene: “We’re now working with a town planning group to hopefully get through to the State Government.” After the March rejection, he said the decision gave the proponents more solid grounds to take the proposal to the State.
Leclezio also described the land as technically state-owned and under council jurisdiction or delegation. That is his account; the reporting cited here does not independently establish the site’s precise tenure or delegation arrangements. Ownership, management responsibility and the planning decision are separate questions, and a state route would not by itself show that the proposal had been approved.
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- The high-power steamer can quickly generate steam and shorten the preheating time. You can set the temperature and time on the steamer or with the remote control. X-Vcak home sauna has dry burning and leakage functions, allowing you to enjoy the sauna with more peace of mind.
- The oversized steam room is suitable for adults of different sizes. You can stand or sit in it. The steam tent is equipped with a waterproof folding chair, allowing you to enjoy the sauna more comfortably.
- There is a pocket inside the sauna room that can be used to store mobile phones and other small items. The zippered transparent window allows you to stick your head out for air at any time. The double pull zipper allows you to unzip and exit the steam room.
- You can move the sauna tent to your room, living room, bathroom or other places for use. If you need to take the steam tent to a further location, it can also be folded for easy portability. With this portable sauna, you can steam at home anytime and anywhere, saving time in going to the steam room.
Has a state application been lodged or approved?
The available reporting establishes the proponents’ stated intention to pursue a state route, not that they lodged a formal state application, appeal or other request, or that a state authority later approved it. The sauna therefore should not be described as approved, under construction or open.
One state pathway described by the City is the Part 17 Significant Development route. The City’s information page lists thresholds of more than $20 million for metropolitan Perth and more than $5 million for regional Western Australia, subject to eligibility. The sauna proposal’s project value is not stated in the cited reporting, so there is no basis to say it met those thresholds or qualified. City of Nedlands: State Development Assessment Unit Applications
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- Year-Round Comfort - Enjoy the luxury of a sauna experience in the great outdoors with our specially designed sauna tent. Stay warm and cozy even in the coldest weather, thanks to its outdoor insulation and thick thermal layers.
- Leak-Proof and Smoke Outlet - No need to worry about air leaks or smoke buildup. Our sauna tent features a reliable design that ensures airtightness, with a convenient smoke outlet to keep the environment comfortable.
- 180 Panoramic Views - Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with our sauna's unique panoramic view. The 180-degree view provides an unforgettable experience while relaxing in the sauna.
- Effortless Setup and Portability - Setting up your outdoor sauna is a breeze with our one-click deployment system. When not in use, the tent is easily foldable and highly portable, making it perfect for camping trips and outdoor adventures.
- Spacious & Water-Resistant – This roomy sauna tent comfortably fits up to four people, providing a relaxing experience for group sessions. Designed with light water resistance, it helps keep the interior dry in mild moisture conditions, so you can enjoy your sauna time with peace of mind.
What do planning and reserve records establish?
The Western Australian Government’s Nedlands planning-information page points readers to the local planning scheme, maps, strategy and structure plans—the materials relevant to understanding local planning controls. Government of Western Australia: City of Nedlands planning information
A separate City engagement page about the Walkway land matter describes the adjacent Allen Park reserve as Class A, set aside for parklands and recreation and managed by the City. That is a distinct land-transfer matter; it does not determine the sauna application or establish the legal status of the proposed sauna site. City of Nedlands: The Walkway, Swanbourne engagement page
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- Outdoor Sauna: Made with 3-layer insulated fabric, this sauna tent is lightweight, easy to fold and store, yet effectively locks in heat to avoid loss. Please note: Do not used in the rain, it is recommended for use in clear weather
- Compatible with Chimney Stove: Equipped with a built-in stove mat. When installing a chimney stove, please use one with an inner diameter of 3.2 inches (80 mm) or less
- 4-Person Sauna: Spacious enough to accommodate four people at the same time. The 180-degree transparent window provides an open view to avoid any feeling of confinement, and the window is detachable with Velcro for added flexibility
- Quick Setup: The sauna tent comes with a pull-cord system, requiring no complex steps—just pull to fully expand the tent. It also includes ground stakes and ropes to keep the tent stable and secure against wind
- Reduced Rain and Snow Buildup: 3D diamond-shaped structure, the tent reduces wind resistance to avoid tipping and minimizes the risk of collapse due to accumulated rain or snow. Still, we recommend using it only in dry weather conditions
What local support was reported?
After the council decision, Leclezio told PerthNow the proponents had received nearly 200 signatures from City of Nedlands residents. This is his reported figure, not an independently verified petition count or a measure of wider community opinion.
What to watch for next
A meaningful status update would need to identify a formal application or appeal, the authority considering it, and a decision. Until such a filing or decision is documented, the established position remains the March 2025 council rejection and the proponents’ stated intention to pursue a state route.
Sources: PerthNow, 1 November 2024; PerthNow, 13 December 2024; PerthNow, 4 March 2025.
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