Mixed reactions as multi-million dollar development moves forward in Merimbula

A multi-million dollar redevelopment in the heart of a Far South Coast town has faced pushback from a local business group that says the project needs “serious consideration”.

A business group has pushed back against the latest luxury development proposed for the Far South Coast, seeking to tell the local council the $27 million project requires “serious consideration”.

Plans to redevelop multiple retail businesses located between 29 and 33 Market St in Merimbula were submitted to the Bega Valley Shire Council on April 20.

The project, which is being spearheaded by local developer Robert Green, seeks to demolish the existing two-storey structure, which houses businesses including the Merimbula Massage Centre and Nosh Cafe.

In its place, Mr Green is seeking to build three five-storey mixed-use structures, featuring 52 shop-top apartments spread over the three buildings, and new retail spaces on the ground floors.

Additionally, new commercial spaces are to be opened on the second floor, with a total of 114 ground floor parking spaces to be provided. A laneway between the structures is also aimed at opening the area to pedestrians.

Located on a 4000 sq m lot, the project will be referred to the NSW State Government before approval is given due an increase in the current buildings height, from 13m to 18m, which is above planning control levels.

The project is the latest in a long line of multi-million dollar redevelopments throughout the South and Far South Coast regions amid a boom in regional immigration and a return of pre-Covid tourism.

In nearby Eden, developer Core Asset Development gained approval late last year to begin work on an $100 million four-tower luxury complex known as the Sapphire of Eden. The project seeks to build luxury one, two, and three bedroom apartments in the heart of the once-sleepy port town.

Further up the coast, Core Asset Developments has also been given initial approval from a $30 million eco-resort nearby to a popular nature reserve.

A laneway between the new buildings is intended to open the area up to pedestrian traffic.

On April 27, the Our Merimbula group, the town’s local business chamber, said the development there could have significant impacts on the future of the town centre, stating that they believed it required serious consideration.

“At last night‘s committee meeting we agreed that the chamber would seek formal feedback from our members and local businesses and as a major stakeholder,” the chamber said.

In a statement to The South Coast News, the chamber said it would hold an open forum in the “near future”, where it would seek to gather feedback from its members and local businesses.

The Merimbula chamber of commerce says the new $27 million development requires serious consideration as to how it will affect the character of the area.

“Then, we will provide that information to council as part of the public exhibition feedback,” the chamber said.

Local shop owners whose businesses stand to be dislocated by the new development declined to comment about the development, or whether or not they would be allowed space in the new building.

The owners said they had been informed by Mr Green of the plans.