Merimbula: $18m townhouses, apartments proposed for growing coastal town

A rapidly expanding south coast hamlet could soon grow larger, with a mega housing complex planned. Here’s what it would look like.

An artist’s impression of the plans.

A rapidly expanding south coast hamlet could soon grow larger, with a state government body set to decide whether the construction of a multimillion-dollar apartment complex goes ahead with slightly tweaked plans.

The $18m proposed development will be erected at the vacant 2.5-acre block on 63 Ocean Dr and 520 Arthur Kaine Dr, Merimbula, if the Bega Valley Shire Council and NSW Regional Planning Panel approve plans currently on public exhibition.

A development application reveals the proposed 59-dwelling complex will be built in a “rapidly growing” beachside section of Merimbula.

Canberra-based developer Prasun Banerjee re-submitted the application through his company, Smart Home Creations, after

Merimbula residents made a number of submissions against the initial proposal, citing traffic issues, overdevelopment and height.

These issues led Mr Banerjee and architecture firm Hugh Gordon to amend the plans, before re-submitting them to the council in December last year.

Smart Home Creations developer Prasun Banerjee.

A spokesman for Mr Banerjee said the concerns were addressed and the proposal had been redesigned slightly to provide better traffic flow.

Mr Banerjee’s company bought the block for $2.1m in June 2021, with the Canberra developer planning the apartment complex since.

An artist’s impression of the plans.

“This proposal on this previously undeveloped block in Merimbula will help meet the current and future housing needs of this growing community,” the spokesman said.

Designs showcase three separate buildings, two of which are set to contain townhouses, with the third an apartment complex.

The townhouse buildings will range from one to two storeys, while the apartments will sit at three storeys high.

Mr Banerjee’s spokesman said the design considered the opposite apartments and the residents’ views.

If approved, the apartments will be constructed at 63 Ocean Dr and 520 Arthur Kaine Dr, Merimbula.

“The location of the development will ensure that it does not block the views of any adjoining development,” he said.

Architecture plans also reveal each townhouse will feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms, while the apartments will range in size, with 12 featuring single bedrooms and studies. A further 12 will feature two bedrooms and studies.

A communal area is also planned for the development, featuring trees, a barbecue, seating areas and a nature play space.

The proposal’s fate will ultimately rest with the NSW Regional Planning Panel, given the estimated construction cost site above $5m.

The government body will hold pre-determination meetings to hear from Mr Banerjee’s development firm, as well as residents for or against the proposal.

Mr Banerjee’s spokesman said if approved, construction would begin in late 2024.

Construction would occur between 7.30am and 6pm on weekdays, and between 8am and 2pm on Saturdays.

The planning panel is set to determine the development later this year.

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