Plans for developing Batemans Bay’s gateway site cannot proceed until the town’s master plan is completed. Photo: Kim Treasure.
Two developers with their eyes on Batemans Bay’s ‘gateway’ site in Vesper Street will have input into the formulation of the town’s planning blueprint.
A Eurobodalla Shire Council spokesperson said the community and CBD landholders, along with two developers interested in the key site – who were selected after a competitive process – would all have input into the development of the Batemans Bay master plan.
“How the Vesper Street site develops depends on the master plan, which is progressing,” the spokesperson said.
“Council has appointed a team of experts in urban design, architecture, transport planning and property economics to assist with the technical work informing this master plan.
“These experts are now working with council staff on an inclusive and accessible community engagement process and expect to start discussing ideas with the community by the end of March.”
The spokesperson said the review included much more than the council-owned Vesper Street site or adjusting residential building height limits.
“It’s a blueprint for Batemans Bay, looking at transport choice, town connectivity, enhancing public spaces, the night-time economy, town and landscape integration, and planning frameworks that encourage the growth of existing and new businesses,” they said.
“As [the master plan] progresses, the developers can finalise their proposals [for the Vesper Street site], enabling council to make a decision on the preferred offer.”
Council purchased the former Batemans Bay bowling club site, which sits adjacent to the Bay Pavilions Arts and Aquatic Centre, in 2016, recognising its commercial potential and significance as a gateway site integral to the town’s future development.
While council has approved the sale of the land, with the two proposals for the site requiring heights ranging from 30 to 70 metres, the sale can’t proceed until the town’s building height limits are reviewed as part of the master plan.
The community has called for tourist accommodation, conference facilities, restaurants and cafes and residential accommodation. Affordable housing has also been considered.
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