Merimbula: Multimillion dollar development heralds more homes amid regional boom

A large-scale new development on the outskirts of a popular South Coast tourist town is sure to draw the eye of visitors and locals alike, as the spot continues to experience a boom in investment.

A large-scale new development on the outskirts of Merimbula is sure to draw the eye of visitors and locals alike, as the seaside spot continues to experience a boom in new investment.

Plans for the $9 million residential development were submitted to the Bega Valley Shire Council by developer Smart Home Creations earlier this year, and will feature not one but three separate developments comprising of apartments and townhouses.

The project will deliver 59 new dwellings in total to the already booming area, spread out over two separate townhouse blocks and a three-storey apartment building on Arthur Kaine Dr, south of the town CBD and near to Merimbula Beach.

The first block of townhouses will feature a row of 14 single-storey residences comprised of two and three-bedroom units.

Each townhouse will boast a “generous” living space, with an abundance of glass, according to documents submitted to the council.

Similarly, the second block will feature a row of 13 single-storey, three-bedroom townhouses.

Plans for the $9 million residential development in Merimbula were submitted to the Bega Valley Shire Council, and will feature not one but three separate developments comprising of apartments and townhouses. Picture: Bega Valley Shire Council

“Taking advantage of the slope of the land, the townhouses will overlook Block A to views of the lake,” according to the documents.

“There is a balcony at the front of each family room, again with large sliding doors and clerestory windows, as well as rear private courtyards for each of these townhouses.”

Each of the 27 townhouses will have a two-car garage accessible via an internal driveway.

Located behind the second townhouse block, the three-storey apartment building will feature 36 units, a majority of which will have lake views.

“The block will feature a mix of apartment sizes and types,” according to the documents.

“There will be 12 single-bedroom plus study apartments, 12 adaptable two-bedroom apartments; four two-bedroom apartments; and four three-bedroom, two storey, apartments.

“All of the apartments have areas of private open space – in a mix of balconies and courtyards. Car and bicycle parking is in a basement car park with access into the building via a lift and staircase.”

The project is the latest in a number of large-scale developments unveiled for Merimbula.

Earlier this year plans were revealed for a new multimillion dollar shop top development in the CBD, drawing the ire of some locals.

With the population in the area tipped to rise by as much as 7 per cent in the next decade and a half, Smart Home Creations state that the new project on Arthur Kaine Dr will deliver on important social outcomes, including the diversification of the housing market.

“This proposal will go some way towards meeting the dwelling demand forecast in council strategies and the achievement of a liveable and sustainable community,” the documents state.

“Importantly, the proposal will increase the diversity of housing options available close to the city centre. In particular, this proposal will increase the stock of smaller dwellings and dwellings better suited to older people and people with a disability.

“The provision of larger, four-bedroom dwellings will also go some way towards meeting the needs for this type of housing.”