In mid-December, Level 33 Property Developer Group became the new owners of Kiama Council’s Akuna St landholding for $28 million.

Level 33 Director, Eddy Haddad has spoken with The Bugle to share his plans for the prime town centre site, saying they are ready to commence building as soon as approvals are obtained.

“Our funding is readily available to start this immediately,” he says.

While the project is in the early stage of the design process, he has a clear vision of what they want to achieve – and yes, it will include a second supermarket for Kiama.

“We are looking at doing a scheme similar to Merivale’s ivy Precinct in Sydney. We are looking at getting nice cafes during the day, restaurants at night, bars and retail.

“It will be an iconic destination on the South Coast.

“We have already approached a few restaurateurs and pub barons to see who would be interested in having a look at the site, and are looking at bringing some major retailers in through expressions of interest.”

Mr Haddad says that five supermarket operators have expressed interest in being involved, and a formal Expression of Interest campaign will be conducted.

As for the residential component of the development, he says they will all be luxury apartments.

“We are not here to add volume – we are here to create an exclusive development.”

Details of the number of apartments are yet to be finalised by the design process, as is the issue of how much parking will be provided.

The design for the 6000sqm property will be guided by the requirements of the new Town Centre DCP, which has a special section for the site given its importance.

“We will be having discussions with Council and possibly a workshop with council staff and councillors, as we are keen to engage with the community,” says

Mr Haddad.

He is confident that the logistical issues of building and operating on the site can be coordinated by their traffic engineer, and says his family owned developer/builder company is experienced in delivering much larger projects.

The extent of the landholding

“We are well and truly capable of this type of construction,” he says, noting that, while he expects minimal excavation given the sloping site, they have done projects that have dug 20 metres underground.

Current lessees of buildings on the site, including The Collective in the old Mitre 10 building, will continue on as monthly tenants until construction commences.

Earlier in 2022, Level 33 showed its confidence in Kiama market by buying a 1,630sqm property in Bourrool Street, to the south of Surf Beach, for $8 million.

“We are looking to build 12-15 high end residential apartments there,” says Mr Haddad.