A group of Mollymook and Canberra-based families have been granted development approval to build a new hospitality venue in Burrill Lake, seven kilometres south of Mollymook on the NSW South Coast.

The Burrill will include three main levels, consisting of ground floor parking, a restaurant, two bars, lakeside deck, function space, and 25 luxury accommodation rooms upstairs – with all but two having views of Burrill Lake, Pigeon House Mountain and the ocean at Burrill Beach.

The development approval comes 18 months after the initial DA was lodged with Shoalhaven City Council.

The Burrill will replace the current Edgewater Motel, built in the 1970s by now centurion, Dorothy Newman (who still lives next door to the current motel), and her late husband, Ted.

The projects’ partners envisage The Burrill becoming iconic property for the rapidly growing region, which already boasts two Bannisters Hotels in Mollymook, Cuppitt’s Estate and the Milton Hotel - all within five minutes’ drive.

Chris Beasley said “When I first saw the property I thought that despite the motel being somewhat past its use by date, it was in such an outstanding location; right on the lake and adjacent to the Princes Highway and one of the best beaches on the NSW South Coast. About three years ago, my business partner Simon Abbott and I approached the owners. The plan was to replace the old motel which catered only to tourists, with a brand new venue to maximise the property’s potential. We believe when we’re done we’ll have created something very special”.

The construction phase of the project is predicted to generate between 40 and 50 jobs over 2021-2022, and as an operational business up to 40 ongoing jobs for local residents upon completion.

Project Architect, Colin Conn of Box Architects, said “Our approach was to identify a best fit for the site and its surrounds. We wanted the venue to be a statement, given it will serve as a gateway to the region with its proximity to the Princes Highway and the passing tourists. It needed to look and feel robust, but be somewhat softened by an extensive use of timbers both inside and out, with a view to sourcing those timbers (and other building materials) locally.”

Construction is set to begin in the second half of 2021.

An expression of interest goes out to potential operators in June 2021. It is expected an operator will be

appointed to run The Burrill by September 2021, with an anticipated opening of the venue in November 2022.

Dorothy and Ted Newman moved to Burrill Lake around 60 years ago when they were looking for a sea change from Sydney. They acquired land on Princes Ave South and after completely clearing and filling the site, built the current ten unit motel and two level residence, where they raised a family and worked until retirement. According to Dorothy’s son, Vaughan Newman, “Mum’s quite happy about the proposal. If she’s still going when it opens, we will take her there. Mum is very supportive.”

The current owners of the site have operated it as a motel since acquiring it in early 2004, with the original intention to ultimately redevelop it into holiday apartments. The Burrill project, however, is positioned to capture the year-round tourist market, whilst providing the quickly growing local resident population with a modern nearby dining and entertainment venue.