Batemans Bay: Hanging Rock Motel could be replaced with new $20m hotel

It’s out with the old and in with the new, with $20m plans set to breathe new life into the site of a closed down motel at Batemans Bay.

The old Hanging Rock Motel will be knocked down and replaced with the new hotel if the proposal is approved.

It’s out with the old and in with the new, with $20m plans set to breathe new life into the site of a closed down motel at Batemans Bay.

The ‘Hanging Rock Family Motel’ closed in 2021 with the site since sold, with plans now lodged for the motel to be knocked down to make way for a hotel and apartment complex.

Development plans lodged with Eurobodalla Council reveal the proposal includes two three-storey buildings, one for a hotel and the other for apartments.

The plans have been submitted by Sydney-based consultancy firm PLANNED – Town Planning Solutions with Elizabeth Slapp – owner and town planner – telling this publication there was a need for more housing and tourism accommodation in Batemans Bay.

“This development will bring a mix of both visitor accommodation and residential living to the area, tackling both a need for more tourism facilities and a lack of housing,” she said.

An artist impression of the three-storey hotel.

A look at the proposed three-storey townhouse.

If approved, the proposal would see the existing motel demolished.

The proposed hotel would see the basement level featuring a 75 space car park and the ground level featuring reception, a breakfast bar and bar area (for guest only), back-of-house areas, as well as nine one-bedroom and three two-bedroom hotel suites. The first and second-floor levels would see 31 one-bedroom hotel suites.

Batemans Bay Business Chamber president David Maclachlan.

Meanwhile, the proposed townhouse apartment building would also stand at three-storeys tall and feature 10 homes for residential living.

Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber president David Maclachlan welcomed the idea of more tourism accommodation.

“We’re one of the most popular tourist destinations in NSW,” he said. “We’re the closest coastal town to Canberra, but there is a genuine lack of tourism accommodation.”

Mr Maclachlan said it would also help businesses which had struggled since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re seeing people flood back into our town, so new tourism accommodation is nothing but a good thing,” he said.

The proposal will remain in its exhibition period on the Eurobodalla Council until next month before being determined by a NSW Regional Planning Panel.