The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has backed a range of new mixed-use development projects at Ettalong Beach as the town centre experiences a boom over the Christmas holiday break.
“The Chamber is looking forward to a busy 2023 for the Ettalong Beach town centre despite slightly tougher economic conditions,” President Matthew Wales said.
“The building and construction industry remains confident that market conditions will stabilise with the long term forecast positive for our local centres as a number of key developments progress through the Council approval process and others look for early starts in 2023.
“The recent Land and Environment Court approved mixed use development on the corner of Ocean View Rd and Ferry Rd is due for construction in mid-2023.
“This site has been sadly neglected over the last 20 years and represents some of the best beachfront commercial land on the Central Coast.
“The new development will consist of 12 apartments over three levels with ground floor commercial floor space and will be a gateway development at the Ferry Rd Wharf.”
Wales said a Court approved mixed use development at 227-233 Ocean View Dr would consist of 24 apartments over five levels and ground floor retail space.
“Once again, this development will replace aging single storey retail buildings adjacent to the new apartment building currently under construction on the old Centrelink site,” he said.
“This year will also see the rezoning of the old Ettalong Beach Motel and adjacent lands on The Esplanade that will allow the development of the site for a five-storey mixed use development with the potential for 44 high quality apartments and ground level retail.
“The rezoning will be accompanied by a comprehensive development control plan that will ensure high quality design and compliance with prescribed planning controls.”
Wales said Council was also assessing an application for 24 apartments on the corner of Ocean View Rd and Memorial Ave with the proposal due to go to the Central Coast Local Planning Panel within the next few months.
“All these developments build on the need to revitalise the Ettalong Beach town centre and provide high quality apartment accommodation and much needed new retail floor space,” he said.
“Urban consolidation encourages people to use the lift instead of the car.
“We want people to live in town as a way to support local businesses and grow local jobs and take the pressure of the local road infrastructure.
“The Chamber is pleased to see a strong increase in investment and development activity which is a direct result of years of advocacy by the business community.
“What is now important is for Council to remain proactive and ensure that current and future development applications are processed quickly so that redevelopment and local investment are not delayed.”
Source:
Media release, Dec 3
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce