Allan Rutherford expects a decision on his proposal to be made within 18 months. Image: Supplied.
An entryway into a coastal town could be transformed, with a major new development in the works.
A mixed-use development is being planned for 91 Campbell Street in Moruya, which is currently home to a car dealership.
Allan Rutherford, who owns the site, said he made the plans public as part of his planning for its future.
“It was like, ‘What do I do with the site once it’s vacant?’
“I just thought there was a need in Moruya for what we’re proposing. I think we’re in that perfect storm or environment of not having enough housing or having enough infrastructure to support the hospital.
“That was really my game plan, I guess.”
A presentation for the ‘Swan Place’ precinct, seen by Region, states the proposed development would have a 1500 sqm “business/dining space” on its ground floor.
Residents would live across 24 serviced apartments and 66 shop-top housing dwellings (with between one and three bedrooms), including several penthouses.
It would also feature 160 car spaces and a shared open space at the centre of the development.
The buildings would range from five to nine storeys.
It would also need a height exemption from the 10-metre limit, with the maximum height coming in at 35 metres.
Moruya Business Chamber has supported the plan, which was discussed at a public meeting in late April.
President Robert Pollock believes it will help ease a “critical issue” facing the town – its lack of accommodation.
“You can’t have your cake and eat it,” he said.
“We all want to protect what Moruya’s historical buildings and architecture look like, but if Moruya is going to succeed and we’ll have the Eurobodalla hospital within our townscape, we’ve got to be able to provide accommodation [for it].”
The Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is expected to open in 2027 and has moved into the internal fit-out and commissioning stages.
He said the hospital would bring extra people to Moruya – such as new staff and visiting clinicians – seeking somewhere to stay.
“Some will come for days, some will stay for months,” he said of the extra demand.
The proposal is for medium-density housing. Image: Supplied.
Mr Rutherford said early responses to the proposal were split “50/50” between positive and negative reactions.
“The first port of call was to have these artist’s impressions and have all the building blocks there and get the council’s opinion – because without the council’s support it will go nowhere.
“[It’s now about] the community support. … The two have to work together.”
He said the plans had been in development for about four years, with a decision expected to come within the next 18 months.
“The site is subject to flooding, so it took us a while to solve the flood issues to council’s satisfaction,” he said of the timeline so far.
The presentation estimates that it could bring in $100 million in economic benefit over five years.
If approved, between six and 10 per cent of the development is expected to be affordable housing.
“Site is ideally suited to support provision of affordable housing due to proximity to services, transport, and employment,” the document states.
Mr Pollock believes the planned building will benefit the community, describing it as a “win-win”.
“We believe it’s located in the best position, which is away from the river [and] the main heart of Vulcan Street. … The only negativity that people will raise is its height.
“[It is] exactly in the right location.”
He believes there will be “no clash” with the town’s CBD from the planned precinct.
“This will tick a lot of boxes … It will also enable elderly people who want to retire and live close to the central hub of Mouruya and find it easier to do their shopping.”
Mr Rutherford said consultation was being planned for future dates, while a website with information about the proposal was set to launch shortly.
He said the design elements were being finalised, ahead of a planning proposal being lodged.
“It’s at that point where [I am considering], ‘Do we go ahead with the planning proposal … and then a development application?’ Or do I not?”
