The property at 22b Irvine Street, Kiama that remained empty for decades has sold for $1.225 million, or $375,000 above reserve price.

The lot was previously owned by Kiama Council and reserved as a park, but the property itself only consists of a large, empty space and a few boulders. The lot spans 644 metres squared and is located at the top of Thomson Street, about 900 metres away from Kiama Village.

There were nine bidders registered to buy the property on 17 February 2024, with 86 bids made and more than 23 contracts sent out.

First National Coast & Country Kiama, which managed the sale, told The Bugle that the buyers are locals and plan to build a house on the lot.

Kiama Council voted to offload the parcel of land, with proceeds from the sale going towards its 2023-24 budget as part of its Strategic Improvement Plan.