Leading architect’s bold eco-resort vision for Rosny Hill

A BOLD new vision for Rosny Hill on the Eastern Shore has been unveiled.

A VISION to build pod accommodation, a restaurant, conference centre and wildlife sanctuary on the Eastern Shore has been unveiled.

Architect Robert Morris-Nunn, the man behind the Saffire resort and Princes Wharf No.1 designs, has revealed to the Mercury his proposal for Rosny Sanctuary — a major eco-resort on the Rosny Hill Nature Recreation Area.

Mr Morris-Nunn’s firm Hunter Developments has been awarded preferred developer status by land manager Clarence City Council as part of the third stage of its expression of interest process.

The project would feature 120 individual guest suites, a restaurant seating up to 150 people, a function centre for 300 people, gym and spa facilities and a wildlife sanctuary to protect the local flora and fauna.

The Rosny Hill development proposal by Robert Morris-Nunn

The proposed development also includes new public facilities for the crown land, such as viewing platforms, toilets, walking trails, interpretation sites, seating, barbecues, picnic areas, and spaces for weddings and community events.

Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman said the council would consult with the community before a formal development application was reviewed and approval processes took place.

“We had some initial inquiries through the expressions of interest process, but Robert’s was by far and away the best,” Ald Chipman said.

“It’s comprehensive and focused on maintaining the natural values of the area, with a strong effort to be integrated into the natural environment.”

Mr Morris-Nunn said the development aimed to combine environmental sustainability and Eastern philosophies like feng shui.

“There are quite a few more discerning Asian visitors coming here who would appreciate having something that’s more inclusive of where they’re coming from,” he said.

“This was developed with Singaporean people in mind and we’re quite confident they would be appreciative of what we’re trying to do.”

The award-winning architect said he might combine the development with his other proposals — accommodation at The Springs and Recherche Bay - to attract investors.

“That represents a fairly formidable opportunity for someone,’’ he said.

“We will get the development approvals in place first, before we present someone with the proposal.

“It depends how long each one takes to get development approval.

“The timelines might be very different, but the three of them have popped into existence at the same time.

“But each has a very different flavour too.”

A public forum on the Rosny Hill proposal will be held on May 6 at 6.30pm at the Rosny Park Bowls Club.