Luxury apartments signal Batemans Bay CBD resurgence

The future of CBD living in Batemans Bay is looking bright. A five-storey residential building in a prime waterfront location is now on the market and selling well, heralding what some locals say could lead to a more vibrant and active town centre.

The apartments face the promenade and will include a café on the ground floor and four floors of two and three-bedroom units above. With spectacular views of the bay from every level, local realtor Adam Porteous has already sold three of the 10 apartments off the plan.

“Two of the units have been sold to local couples who are moving from the suburbs into town to enjoy everything that CBD living can offer. You’re in the heart of the action, barely need your car, and a luxury apartment in a superb location makes life easy,” he said.

“A third apartment has been bought by a Canberra investor and I certainly expect more interest from that market. I’m also anticipating interest from Sydney and the south coast, where CBD living is pushing down the coast from the city and becoming more and more popular.”

The luxury apartments will be built on vacant land that fronts the promenade between Zorba Hotel and Blank Canvas restaurant, and construction is expected to be complete around June 2017.

Mr Porteous, who is the principal at Raine & Horne Batemans Bay, said the experience getting the development through Eurobodalla Council was nothing but positive. “They definitely have a ‘let’s make it happen’ approach,” he said. “There were no obstacles or hurdles. Of course there’s a process to follow, but Council’s style is progressive and the planning staff want to help.”

Eurobodalla Council’s director of planning and sustainability, Lindsay Usher, says Council set out to create the planning controls necessary for people to live, work and play in the Batemans Bay town centre.

“Batemans Bay is Eurobodalla's regional centre and Council wants it to be as vibrant and active as it can be. The $1.25 million we’re spending this year to revitalise the CDB streetscape is a clear signal of our commitment to the town and its future.

“Having people living in the town centre adds life and vitality to the area and supports local business. We are very keen to see this quality residential development proceed and we hope that others like it follow.

“The opportunities are there,” Mr Usher said, “it’s up to the market to capitalise on them.

“This development has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change, highlighting the opportunities that exist and the benefits that can come from living in the heart of town.”

Mr Porteous agrees. “This development could be the first stage of a CBD resurgence. I’m really excited about the prospects for the site and the future of Batemans Bay.”