Two new major retail stores are coming to Merimbula on the Far South Coast.
A development application (DA) by Club Sapphire to construct a commercial building on a 6343m² of land on the northern side of the club was approved by Bega Valley Shire Council a few months ago.
The proposed single storey development at 22 Sapphire Coast Road, Merimbula, includes two commercial premises with associated carparking.
CEO of Club Sapphire, Damien Foley, told ARN Bega Bay if all goes smoothly, the retailers could open within 18 to 24 months.
“The club ultimately seeks to build the facility, and the Super Retail Group will lease the space off us and put two stores in, and the DA suggests those stores are likely to be BCF and Super Cheap Auto,” Mr Foley said.
“We’re still a fair way off, tenders have only recently closed for the construction of the site,” he continued.
“The club are working with architects and engineers to ensure it’s as financially viable as possible.”
Once that’s finalised, Mr Foley will look to hold a meeting with the members of Club Sapphire to seek approval to take on the expenditure to build that facility.
“The club aims to build, own and lease the facility which forms part of the club’s overall strategy to reduce its reliance on gambling and create some new revenues that allow it to achieve that,” Foley said.
“Leasing the commercial premises will support the club’s viability as we move away from gaming, while bringing new business and jobs to Merimbula.”
Club Sapphire is also seperately proposing to build and integrate a 4 plus star hotel on the southern side of the existing Club, fronting Main Street (adjacent to the Woolworths carpark entry) as part of the club’s long-term vision.
“Our proposal will provide a 7 storey, 100 room, 4 plus star luxury hotel within our existing club site, with the intention of securing a national hotel operator,” Mr Foley said.
Images: Club Sapphire, BCF
