Merimbula: $20m Bulum Group hotel slated for Merimbula Drive faces Bega Council vote

A Canberra developer has proposed a $20m “jaw drop amazing” hotel and apartment complex in Merimbula, as council prepares to vote on whether the plan — which breaks height limits — should get the green light.

The $20m Merimbula Dr proposal will be voted on by Bega Valley Council on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

A Canberra developer’s concern over what he deems a lack of luxury accommodation on the NSW South Coast has sparked a bold $20m proposal for a mixed-use complex in Merimbula, with a regional council set to vote on its future.

The project – featuring modern hotel suites, apartments, restaurants and a rooftop pool – is slated for 58 Merimbula Dr and comes from Nik Bulum of the Bulum Group.

He says the area is crying out for high-end hotels.

“There’s so many motels but there’s just no hotels,” he said.

“It’s time for the town to start growing.”

Canberra developer and Bulum Group owner, Nik Bulum. Picture: Supplied

Plans lodged with Bega Valley Council in 2023 detail a luxury development with 14 townhouse apartments, 25 hotel suites, a rooftop restaurant, gym and pool.

Mr Bulum said Merimbula had been “left behind” when it came to tourism infrastructure.

The proposal has a price tag of $20m. Picture: Supplied

“That’s why I wanted to build this here,” he said.

The rooftop restaurant will be open to the public, though Mr Bulum’s company will only run the hotel.

Mr Bulum confirmed a restaurant operator was yet to be confirmed.

“We’re currently having discussions about that,” he said.

The site currently houses a small, vacant motel — also owned by Mr Bulum – who said the new replacement complex would be a standout on the South Coast.

“Our hotels will be just jaw drop amazing,” he said.

“It’s going to have 360 views of the ocean, the town and, with the glass panel design, will have views of both the sunrise and the sunset.”

However, the proposal exceeds Merimbula’s 18m height limit – albeit by 2.1m – which is expected to be a key point of debate when Bega Valley Council votes on the plans on Wednesday.

Despite the height breach, council staff have recommended the development be approved, with Mr Bulum also applying for a height limit variation.

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