New $22M Merimbula apartment block will change ‘future character’ of town

Step inside the $22 million five-storey apartment block which will forever change the look and feel of this south coast seaside town.

A bowling club has thrown its hat in the mix for more housing by investing $22 million in an apartment complex likely to change the face of a seaside south coast town.

The Merimbula Imlay Bowling Club, who run Merimbula’s popular Club Sapphire venue, have been given the green light to go ahead with a new five storey 40 unit complex in the town’s CBD, after councillors voted to allow a height increase.

Club CEO Damien Foley said the development is part of a plan to reduce their “reliance on gambling”.

“I think it’s a fantastic development for the town, and it is addressing our need to reposition our business,” he said.

Council says the new apartments in Merimbula will change the face of the town. Picture: BVSC

“We also have four more areas of land for future development, and our ultimate goal if to have four and a half star accommodation on site.”

The complex, which will have ground floor parking, will host 12 three-bedroom units and 28 two-bedroom-units overlooking the town’s scenic lake, with ocean views.

Bega Valley Shire Council said there is high demand for homes in the the centre of town, and allowed for higher density living than has been seen before.

“The further development of high-density residential land is encouraged within our town centres including Merimbula which is identified as a major centre within the Commercial Land Strategy,” council said.

The club said the apartments will be good for local business. Picture: BVSC

“The proposed development is the first residential development that tests the height limit and will set the scene for future development within the Merimbula CBD.

“The design in separate into two blocks divided by landscaped open space at the centre. The overall size and height represents a departure from the existing streetscape, but is consistent with the desired future character of this centrally located CBD site.”

The club said the development will help nearby local businesses, and help ease the current housing crisis in the region.

Bega Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said Bega Valley Shire Council would write to federal and state ministers seeking support, investment and policy changes to help address what he said was “a critical shortage of affordable housing”.

“Too many people in our community are finding it extraordinarily tough to find somewhere to live, and for people hoping to move to our shire to take up job opportunities, their options are extremely limited,” he said.