New development plans across the Illawarra region include a 20-storey hotel near Wollongong Hospital, a 38-apartment complex in Kiama, and upgrades to the Kiama Bends. The projects aim to address housing, tourism, and infrastructure needs.
Kiama councillors approved a development application for a 38-apartment complex at 14 Akuna Street. The proposal includes three commercial units, 93 parking spaces, and received five public submissions objecting to height, parking loss, and view impacts. Council papers stated that key views through the town centre are not unreasonably compromised.
Developer Blaq Projects plans to modify an approved 20-storey building on Crown Street, adjacent to Wollongong Hospital, to include 123 hotel rooms. The modification would add storeys to both towers, with a childcare centre in the second tower. The change follows Wollongong City Council's tourism accommodation strategy, which offers height bonuses and deferred developer contributions to increase hotel rooms.
A development application for the Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Club upgrade has been lodged with Shellharbour City Council. The state and federal governments will fund the renovations, which include a foyer, stairs, lift, and balcony with water views. The first-floor area will be reserved for surf club use.
Modular homes have been constructed in the region, with three social homes ready for tenants and a fourth due next month. The homes, built by Homes NSW and Moov Modular, can be approved and built in as little as three months. Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the method delivers high-quality homes quickly.
Kiama Council has called for additional parking at Kiama station, one of the busiest in the Illawarra. In its draft response to the state government's transport plan, the council noted that commuters drive to the station, increasing pressure on local streets. The council urged the plan to address parking requirements to promote rail use.
