Merimbula: Nik Bulum proposes $20m hotel, apartments, restaurant complex

A high-end, multimillion-dollar proposal – set to feature a hotel, rooftop restaurant and luxury apartments – is set to change the face of a tranquil town on the south coast.

Artist impression of the proposed $20m mixed-use complex.

A high-end, multimillion-dollar proposal – set to feature a hotel, rooftop restaurant and luxury apartments – is set to change the face of a tranquil town on the south coast.

Artist impressions for the $20.2m mixed-use complex – set to be constructed at 58 Merimbula Dr, Merimbula – showcase 14 luxury townhouse apartments, four luxury hotel suites, a rooftop restaurant and more.

The man behind the game changing Merimbula development proposal is someone who knows the south coast well, having grown up in the area before moving to Canberra to kickstart development firm Bulum Group – Nik Bulum.

Mr Bulum, when speaking on the plans for the mixed-use luxury complex on the site of an existing motel, said the coastal tourist hamlet had been “left behind”.

“You look at Batemans Bay, Nowra – these are south coast towns which are growing with developments rapidly, but Merimbula has been left behind,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to build this here. It’s time for the town to start growing. There’s so many motels but there’s just no hotels.”

The proposed complex will include 14 luxury townhouse apartments.

Mr Bulum’s development – if approved by council – would see the 14 luxury townhouse apartments put on the market for private buyers and four luxury hotel suites run and operated by the Bulum Group.

“We’re also going to have a rooftop restaurant which will be open to the public, a day spa, swimming pool and gym,” Mr Bulum said.

Canberra developer and owner of Bulum Group Nik Bulum said he wanted to develop in Merimbula to bring it in line with other south coast towns.

While the hotel will be operated by Mr Bulum’s company, the restaurant is set to be run by an external operator – however it is yet to be confirmed who will take the reigns.

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

Currently on the land where the major development is proposed, is a small vacant motel owned by Mr Bulum.

The Canberra developer said the luxe proposal would be a welcome addition to Merimbula.

Another artist impression of the complex which will include a hotel, townhouses and rooftop restaurant.

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

They’re 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.”

Mr Bulum also said the 14 townhouses would be designed extremely similar to the hotel rooms, also featuring 360 views of the town and views of the both sunrises and sunsets.

“These are luxury rooms and I’m so excited to be bringing them to Merimbula,” he said.

Mr Bulum said – contingent on council approval – the multimillion-dollar complex would be complete in 2024.