An iconic Wollongong motel that has welcomed guests for more than half a century could soon be demolished to make way for modern apartment towers. A major development application has been formally submitted to Wollongong City Council, proposing the redevelopment of the Boat Harbour Motel site, located just a block from the popular Belmore Basin.
End of an Era for Local Landmark
The proposal, if approved, would see the five-storey motel building completely removed from the landscape. The site has operated as a motel since 1972, when an existing apartment building from 1960 was converted for that purpose. For over 50 years, it has been a fixture in the area, but now faces being replaced by a contemporary residential complex.
Details of the Proposed Dual-Tower Development
The plans, prepared by ADM Architects, outline the construction of two separate residential buildings on the prime parcel of land. According to the lodged Statement of Environmental Effects, a six-storey residential flat building is planned for the northern section of the site.
At the southern end, a taller seven-storey shop-top housing building is proposed. Combined, the two towers would contain a total of 36 new apartments. A significant aspect of the plan is the inclusion of eight affordable housing units, which triggers a state government planning incentive.
This affordable housing provision allows the developer to apply for a height bonus. Under the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan, the standard maximum height is 16 metres, but with the bonus, the development could reach up to 20.8 metres tall. The proposal also includes the creation of two levels of basement parking for residents.
Traffic Impact and Community Feedback
A traffic assessment submitted with the application estimates the new development would generate approximately 15 vehicle movements per hour during the evening peak period. Across an entire day, the study predicts about 201 vehicle movements.
Interestingly, the report compares this to the current motel use and concludes the change would result in five fewer vehicles in the evening peak, but an overall increase of 39 vehicles across a full day. The application's environmental statement notes that the immediate locality is already "dominated by multi-level residential development," suggesting the new towers would fit the existing streetscape.
The development application is now on public exhibition until February 9, giving Wollongong residents the opportunity to review the detailed plans and provide formal feedback to the council before a decision is made.
