$46m plan for major CBD high rise development unveiled
At a meeting of the Moruya Business Chamber on Tuesday evening, members were given a presentation on a plan for a $46 million residential and business development project on the corner of Vulcan and Campbell streets Moruya – the current site of Eurobodalla Toyota.
The detailed proposal for ‘Swan Place’ by Allan Rutherford, who owns the 7800sqm site, is estimated to bring a $100m economic benefit to Moruya over 5 years.
The Proposed development is for:
- 1,500 m² ground-floor business/dining space
- 24 serviced apartments (1–3 bedrooms)
- 66 shop-top housing dwellings (1–3 bedrooms + penthouses)
- 160 car spaces
- Communal open space at the centre of the development
- Building heights stepping from 5 to 9 storeys – up to 33m high.
- Materials and colours selected to reduce visual impact and reflect Moruya’s character
Pointing out the desperate need for housing, Mr Rutherford said the development “will support the new hospital for short stay and worker accommodation.”
However, there will be some major hurdles to overcome. The current allowable height limit is 10m (3 storeys) and the site is flood prone.
Mr Rutherford acknowledged that the height will be contentious, although the front corner of the building nearest the roundabout is only 16m. The tallest part of the development would be the penthouse apartments overlooking the golf course edge
The flooding issue has been addressed by raising the communal level of the residences 7m above ground level. (Car parking would be underneath.) The residences are designed to enable shelter in place if it can’t be evacuated
Architect Steve Bayer explained some of the design decisions with the facades broken down in height and surface treatments. Colours, lines and window treatments are broken down to break up the size of the buildings. A visual impact study was completed by Start Scobie.
Trees on the site would be retained and Mr Rutherford said the development shouldn’t be visible as you drive over the bridge.
Mr Rutherford said the proposal Aligned with Strategic Planning documents such as the Eurobodalla Settlement Strategy (2006–2031), Moruya Structure Plan, and Eurobodalla Housing Strategy 2025.
The developer met with Councillors yesterday and explained that the height was needed to make the project viable.
Mr Rutherford said it had taken 4and a half years to get to this point
The next steps for the planning proposal was to amend Height of Buildings Map in the LEP, Refine design, Finalise affordable housing contribution, Prepare Scoping Proposal to commence Planning Proposal Process – amend LEP, conduct Community engagement, and if successful lodge the Development Application.