$30 million Sapphire eco-resort to put Batemans Bay 'on the five-star map'

A $30 million luxury beachfront eco-resort will put “Batemans Bay on the five-star tourism map” according to the developer.

The Sapphire Batemans, proposed for a 2.5-acre parcel of land in Myamba Parade at Surfside, will be built by Core Asset Development (CAD) Pty Ltd and will include a hotel, function centre and luxury accommodation.

Plans include 22 residential apartments and townhouses, elevated timber villas, as well as restaurants, bars, a conference and wedding centre and a 78-room hotel.

Located on the northern fringe of Batemans Bay behind Hawksnest Headland, the site has frontage to both Surfside and Cullendulla Beaches and adjoins the Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve.

CAD group senior consultant John Palasty says The Sapphire Batemans will have a tropical resort vibe, with timber villas similar to the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort.

He said the resort would have an open feel with natural timbers used throughout.

“It’s got to have a natural look with no concrete or timber,” Mr Palasty said.

He said, once complete, the resort would be operated by an “up-market” motel chain such as Radisson, Accor or Marriott, providing “hundreds of jobs” for young people in the region, from chefs and gardeners to accountants and service staff.

The resort will source produce from local suppliers and celebrity chef Justin North will be involved in the design of the restaurant and the menu.

Work on stage one, the residential component, is expected to commence in mid-2022, while the tourist accommodation design is being tweaked by Batemans Bay architects Edmiston Jones.

Development consent for the project was issued by Eurobodalla Council in June 2014 and amended in 2015.

A coastal engineering assessment was prepared for the land which could potentially be affected by coastal hazards, including coastal inundation, erosion and sea-level rise.

A council spokesperson said an original proposal lodged in October 2012 was for a far greater number of tourist accommodation units and this was rejected due to the potential for coastal hazards.

The current development was approved in full knowledge of the potential coastal hazards affecting the site.

“This is why a significant portion of the site comprises decks and glamping structures to minimise impact on the land and foreshore,” the council spokesperson said.

“It is not considered that the development is likely to increase coastal erosion in the locality and would be subject to the same hazards as adjoining properties.”

Mr Palasty said CAD architects have been working closely with the proponents of the Murramarang South Coast Walk to create a masterplan for the walk from Bawley Point to Batemans Bay.

“We want to help get the project off the ground and, by helping with a masterplan, they will be able to apply for government funding to construct the walk,” he said.

CAD is buying up land along the South Coast with a view to developing a chain of 4.5 to five-star hotels from Sydney to Eden.

CAD director Mark Toma says the company is looking to cash-in on surging regional tourism and the sea-change market, which has turbo-charged residential property prices.

“We took advantage of the rare opportunity to acquire this beautiful parcel of land with an activated DA in place,” Mr Toma said.

The developer has also commenced work on a $100 million four-tower residential and hotel complex in Eden, to be known as The Sapphire of Eden and is also refurbishing the Australasia Hotel at Eden.

Mr Toma said both Sapphire projects would give the South Coast a much-needed “private-sector shot in the arm”, generating jobs and economic growth in the area through tourism.

The Sapphire of Eden, at the Fisherman’s Club site on Chandos and Imlay Streets, is expected to reshape and revitalise Eden as a major regional centre in NSW.

The five-star, 78-room luxury hotel and function centre above Eden Harbour will be operated by Radisson Hotels under its specialist brand Radisson Individuals.

Designed by Altis Architecture, the hotel will feature smooth, rounded lines in the shape of whales and include a public art space, conference rooms, a wellness centre, underground parking and a roof-top infinity pool, as well as an ocean-view restaurant and bars on the top floor.

Priced from $618,000, the one, two and three-bedroom+study residential apartments are now available for sale off the plan and will have access to a heated outdoor pool, gym and barbecue areas in a fully-secured precinct.

Mr Toma says there has been “very strong, early interest among apartments buyers, and over 15 per cent of the project was sold on release in the first week”.

He added that the majority of buyers are coming from the Sapphire Coast and looking to downsize to, or invest in, a luxury residence.

The Sapphire of Eden will be constructed in four stages, with the final stages due for completion in early 2023.

Mr Palasty said the redevelopment of the Australasian Hotel was “very special” for the community.

The hotel upgrade will blend old and new, with pressed metal ceilings and original bricks retained and clawfoot baths installed in the rooms.

A whisky, gin and vodka distillery will also be constructed at the rear of the property.