Austinmer's iconic Headlands Hotel site finally has a buyer.
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Wollongong realtor Colliers International yesterday confirmed Central Coast developer Stevens Group had signed a contract of sale for the prime parcel of land on Headland Avenue.
Colliers managing director Simon Kersten said Stevens Group intend to demolish the rundown hotel, closed since 2011, and build a tavern and beer garden in its place, along with resort-style accommodation nearby.
Stevens Group partner Graeme Charles said his company had already had a meeting with Wollongong City Council to begin planning the proposed new development, which would cater to tourists and residents.
He said early ideas included hotel-type suites on the northern side of the site and two to three bedroom apartments along the southern side.
A large, single-storey tavern with extensive outdoor dining areas is proposed to be built in the middle of the site.
Mr Charles said he hoped to have concept plans ready to display within four to six weeks and a full development application lodged with the council shortly after that.
"Subject to the timing of the council process, we would probably think if we could get [council] support for the development the approvals process could take six to nine months," he said.
"We envisage getting final directions from the council by the end of the year, which would allow the development to proceed early next year, so residents could well see something substantial on the site towards the end of 2014.
"People will be proud of what they get from us [on the site] once they see what we've got in mind."
The site has been the subject of several redevelopment attempts in previous years, but none have come to fruition.
The hotel's most recent owner, Thirroul Property Holdings, was placed into administration in 2011 with debts of more than $16 million.
The administrator shut the dilapidated pub down only days after taking control of the site due to concerns over the state of the building.
It was put on the market in October 2011 with an estimated price tag of about $6 million.
Neither Mr Kersten nor Mr Charles would reveal the site's purchase price yesterday.
However, Mr Kersten said the administrator had always indicated the hotel would not be sold off in a "fire sale" offer.
"The administrator wanted to ensure the party that bought the site could complete it," he said.
"That's why it took so long to sell."
Stevens Group has various projects in the Illawarra, including the Stoney Range Centre.
