Eden units: High demand for new luxury south coast apartments during lockdown
A developer has backed a move by a south coast council to protect ‘scenic vistas’ ahead of the construction of a $100m hotel.
The South Coast News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The South Coast News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The developer behind the south coast’s first five-star hotel south of Wollongong, says a move to heritage list surrounding buildings will become a tourist drawcard.
Mark Tomas, a director of Core Asset Development, the developer behind the staggering $100 million luxury apartment complex and Raddison Hotel, said tourists would be drawn to the contrast of old and new looking over the deepest natural harbour in the southern hemisphere.
The site will be a mix of a hotel, some commercial outlets and apartments, and will soon sit next to some of the town’s most historic colonial buildings, including the popular orca museum and some of the first homes built in the town.
“We welcome the heritage listing as it will add tourist appeal to this beautiful, historic town,” Mr Toma said.
“We expect Eden will receive a major much needed boost in tourism over the next few years off the back of our development and the infrastructure created in the area.”
A council spokesman said the move would "maintain scenic vistas" and discourage "development on prominent ridgelines".
he town has seen $200 million worth of federal, state and local government spending on major projects, including the new international cruise terminal and other infrastructure.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s manager of planning and sustainability, Keith Tull, said the proposed heritage conservation takes in some of the town’s most iconic buildings.
He said eight properties within the proposed heritage conservation area were listed as local heritage items, including the Eden Killer Whale Museum, Eden Police Station, Eden Courthouse, the former courthouse and The Crown and Anchor Inn.
“Our heritage is an important part of the Bega Valley, and it’s particularly important to Eden,” Mr Tull said.
“The significance of the 1850s to 1930s heritage buildings at the southern end of Imlay Street contribute to Eden’s cultural and social history.
“The creation of the heritage conservation area will conserve and build on elements that contribute to Eden’s outstanding spatial and aesthetic values and protect significant vistas from Snug Cove onto both the eastern and western flanks of the Imlay Street ridge.
“Importantly, this planning proposal will not result in any changes to the residential zoning or use of land and will not significantly affect the ability of future development to create a variety of housing choices within the precinct.”
Mr Toma has previously said apartments in the four-tower complex were pre-selling faster than expected.
“Many are looking to downsize from their farms or buying a holiday apartment close to the beach," he said.
“Most surprising has been the great interest in our penthouses, with their magnificent views of the ocean and hinterland.
“Buyers are also expressing excitement about the vast array of amenities we are planning to build in the complex.”
“We are delighted with the very strong, early interest among apartments buyers, and over 15 per cent of the project was sold on release in the first week with strong continuing volumes,” Mr Toma said.
‘Twisted hide-and-seek’: Hunt for prison escapee enters third day
A man who escaped from a South Coast prison on Wednesday is still at large, with cops working around the clock in a “twisted game of hide and seek” to track down the fugitive.
Former transport minister not on board with Chinese bus biz
An ex-transport minister has scrutinised the Minns Government’s decision to use a Beijing-based business to spearhead a new electric bus manufacturing plant on the South Coast, saying builds should be handled on home soil.