Hawks Nest Golf Club: Tourism and jobs to flow from rezoning, apartments near course

A major residential plan earmarked for development next to the Hawks Nest Golf Club could see more than 124 apartments built within the idyllic coastal seaside suburb.

Hawks Nest rezoning proposal

The soaring seaside hotspot of Hawks Nest looks poised for more residential development with concept plans for a 124-apartment complex next to the twin-town’s golf club.

A rezoning proposal is currently before MidCoast Council that sets out plans to convert land next to Hawks Nest Golf Club from public recreation to medium-density residential.

The rezoning would pave the way for the future residential development to occur.

A concept plan, developed by EJE Architecture on behalf of developers Core Property Group and Leric Group, outlines opportunities for multiple low-rise residential flat buildings, proposed to have basement carparking and four storeys of apartments above.

Hawks Nest rezoning map

The concept plan proposes the land is suitable to develop up to 124-apartments.

A planning proposal for the rezoning of land adjacent to the golf club is on public exhibition with the council, which will host information sessions on Thursday to discuss the project in more detail.

The proposal states that the rezoning amendments have been proposed in response to a commercial opportunity identified by the Hawks Nest Golf Club (Club) and the Core Property Developments and Leric Group (Core/Leric).

All three parties sought and received council’s support to the preparation of the planning proposal.

Residential development subject site

“The potential for the site‘s development with the suggested LEP (Local Environmental Plan) amendments will have a positive economic impact for the Club and the community by maintaining and increasing the local tourism offering,” the proposal states.

“The Hawks Nest Golf Club initiated an expression of interest (EOI) process to source a suitably qualified developer to develop its existing R3 Medium Density Residential land.

“The EOI was subsequently awarded to a developer with the required expertise who included in their proposal a new clubhouse in concert with a residential development concept that would complement the club.

“In order to give the project critical mass, Core/Leric entered into a contract to purchase the adjoining land from the Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council which had recently acquired it as a result of a partially successful land claim.”

Picturesque Hawks Nest Golf Club

The planning proposal also seeks to facilitate improvements to land adjoining the Hawks Nest Golf Club, which is a hub of community activity and connections.

It will also help establish the ‘John Davis Memorial Walk’ along Sanderling Ave, provide assistance to the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club and assist with improvements to the ‘Michael Rowe Walk’ that forms the Hawks Nest section of the ‘Tops to Myall Heritage Walking Trail’.

These connections are intended to facilitate Council‘s broader network of pathways and cycleways around the area.

“The planning proposal will encourage businesses to Hawks Nest through the increase in population,” the proposal states.

“Further, the economic success of the golf course will increase opportunities for tourism activities in this area also providing jobs.

“It will also support the recent expansion of commercially zoned land in Hawks Nest.”

MidCoast Council is hosting community information sessions at its Tea Gardens District Office on Thursday afternoon between 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Visit https://calendly.com/localeconsulting/hawks-nest to register your interest.